Unusual Oil Pressure

[FatBoy]

I've cut the filter open and there's absolutely nothing metal in there.

I'd have to reassemble the engine and run it to test the oil pressure, so it makes no sense to me to not replace the oil pump while I have it out.

If, when I've fitted the new pump it still misbehaves, I'll check the pressure with another gauge.

I've spun the pump on the bench with an electric drill and it doesn't sound particularly healthy. There is a definite knock and a tight spot.

Paul

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I've spun the pump on the bench with an electric drill and it doesn't sound particularly healthy. There is a definite knock and a tight spot.

Paul

That doesn't sound good. Pumps should spin freely, or at least smoothly and consistently. Is there a fragment or something loose inside the pump?

[eschaider]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I've cut the filter open and there's absolutely nothing metal in there.

I'd have to reassemble the engine and run it to test the oil pressure, so it makes no sense to me to not replace the oil pump while I have it out.

If, when I've fitted the new pump it still misbehaves, I'll check the pressure with another gauge.

I've spun the pump on the bench with an electric drill and it doesn't sound particularly healthy. There is a definite knock and a tight spot.

Paul

Your guardian angel has smiled upon you Paul.

Just for grins take the pump apart to see what is amiss. While you have the pan down also check the rod bearing physically farthest from the pump. If the bearing looks good, count your blessings, put a new pump in and don't worry be happy.

If the bearing show some scuffing and embedded particulate matter replace it and check the rest of the rods and mains for similar issues. If you have to replace two or more bearings just replace the entire set. Pay attention to the crank journal(s). If it (they) have become scuffed, your job just got bigger.

At this point, based on what you have discovered so far, it sounds like you have side stepped a bullet — congratulations.

BTW good Sherlock Holmes work ...


Ed

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I've cut the filter open and there's absolutely nothing metal in there.

I'd have to reassemble the engine and run it to test the oil pressure, so it makes no sense to me to not replace the oil pump while I have it out.

If, when I've fitted the new pump it still misbehaves, I'll check the pressure with another gauge.

I've spun the pump on the bench with an electric drill and it doesn't sound particularly healthy. There is a definite knock and a tight spot.

Paul

I would have checked the pressure with another gauge first, as mentioned by a few others as well.

[FatBoy]

Update:

I've fitted a new oil pump and the pressure is back to normal again.

I also cut the filter open and there was no sign of anything that shouldn't have been there, so I'm pretty comfortable that the problem was confined to the pump and/or pressure relief valve.

Thanks again for your advice.

Paul