V12 @ tickover

[painter]

I am new to 'E' types, looking to purchase a series III soon but concerned at 80 psi oil pressure at tick over. Isn't this too high?

[oldtimer]

Strikes me as being excessive. The oil pressure relief valve is set to relieve at 75psi at 3500 rpm when hot.
My V12 shows ( I think ) 20psi at idle when fully hot.

Any readings at cold should be disregarded

[raysearles]

Perfectly normal when cold, I find the oil pressure will stay at that level during the warm up phase - likely to settle down to between 20 - 40 psi by the gauge once warm enough to fry a decent mixed grill on the top of the engine. So if still at that level when hot could be a number of things from the pressure sensor failing to engine problems.

Look at plenty of cars before you buy (i looked at over 20) and by then you will have a good read on what is normal and what is odd - talk to the owners and ask them questions like that one and see what sort of answers you get, thats another gauge on how "into" the car they have been or whether they are 'sunday' drivers with no great investment in the marque.

Remember these gauges are old and probably a bit inaccurate, good hunting, and remember the Rob Jenner adage, there is ALWAYS another car for sale, so don't feel pressurised into buying anything until you are sure - and if you can take someone who knows a little about them as well. A second opinion is always good.