Oil pressure acceptable variations

[kgb123]

Hi

Still very much the newby with my e type and learning as I go. Far to used to driving cars where all is taken care of by computers, but loving getting back to proper motoring in a proper car.

Noticed quite a variation in oil pressure that seems to be dependent on speed. Slower I go, lower the pressure, speed up and pressure rises. At 30-40mph around town etc probably 30ish PSI. 60-70mph 40ish PSI. Is this acceptable? Pressure also seems to drop slightly with temp increase, I would expect this as oil will be less viscous.

Also noticed gear box seemed to become a bit "stiffer" on a longer drive in hot weather. anything I should be checking out?

Regards

Kevin

[stuarthardy]

Hi Kevin

I think your oil pressure figures are fairly typical. They are the same as my 420 Sovereign which I've run since 1999.

There is an issue with the accuracy of oil pressure gauges (or, more correctly, the sender units) which is worth bearing in mind.

If you want peace of mind get it accurately tested using a wet gauge.

Regards

[J44EAG]

This video verifies Stuart`s comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaTqGuZo1V4

Mike

[e600]

Hi

I have fitted an additional "wet" gauge on E types I have owned in the past, and have been pleasantly surprised.

I fit the gauge under the Sppedo/Tacho dash and to the left of the stg col. For the sake of £50 its well worth the peace of mind.

Regards
Pat

[PhilBell]

Where do you connect the wet gauge to get the more accurate reading?

[Geordie]

They say in various manuals and other reading material that the oil pressure should not be less than 40psi at 3000rpm for the 4.2

[e600]

Where do you connect the wet gauge to get the more accurate reading?

You need to be in the Main Oil Gallery, there are a number of points to access this along the RHS of the block, however, when I have fitted wet gauges I have used a tee adapter on the existing sender unit. Remove sender, insert tee, fit original sender and new wet gauge pipe.

IIRC there is a similar set up for later XJ's which uses a large (ish) aluminium block which allows you to connect the original sender and has an outlet you can screw the wet gauge pipe to.

Regards
Pat