Well, if any of y'all are curious about my progress, I am grounded in Phase One.

I am having oil pressure problems again. The frustration is huge. To add to this, most of the archive searches I have made give results that prominently feature my inquiries. <sigh>

Following my engine out over the airport in April traced to gunk in the fuel rail, mods were made to the fuel system. During static tests the oil pressure would never come up to expectations.

Hoping to lick the front o-ring problem that I have had SEVERAL times now, I pulled the front cover to take a look see. The o-ring was torn.

I choose to be more assertive in trying to address this problem. I modified a brass fitting by grinding the OD to make it it cleanly fit inside the front iron (also, ground the inside diameter to keep flow as close as possible to stock) and tapped the front housing to accept the fitting to screw in. I then placed an o-ring around the fitting. I did not include the silicone ring this time as it kept preventing the smooth mating it the iron and cover.

While apart, I verified the woodruff key was properly installed in the oil pump. The oil pump was replaced last time the cover was off. I also verified the oil pressure relief valve. It was still in place (not surprising since it has been safety wired in following it falling out once).

I buttoned everything back up being meticulous that the o-ring mod seated properly. However, my oil pressure is still low. It's in the twenties (psi) while idling. This is not too bad as Racing Beat states this is acceptable at idle. But, when I rev it up to as much as 6000 (only long enough to verify trend) it only goes into the 30's. NOT acceptable.

The engine has had carb jets replace the e-shaft ball. I believe this can lower the oil pressure a bit. Also, there is a front oil cooler installed. This necessitates about a 12 foot oil line run. It is plumbed in parallel. This could provide a bit lower pressure too I think.

I  using a mixture of Royal Purple 30, 40 and 50 oil. I added what was available at the time.

I have yet to check the oil pressure regulator. I specifically remember installing it to torque with blue lock-tight last time I had access.

I plan to isolate the engine from the coolers and filter and take readings using a mechanical gage. Currently I have two electronic gages, one for the RWS monitor and one for the SkyView monitor. They both read within a couple of psi from each other.

If not for this Achilles Heal I would very likely out of Phase One and planning a trip to Osh. It has been a major distraction of energy and time.

I know it could be bearings but the stationary gears and bearings were replaced at the last rebuild. Everything else seemed in spec.

The front eccentric thermostat was replaced with the plug.

The oil is flowing as the system heats up evenly. I need to see if the hoses are hard while running, as the no-pistons site says, hard like a brick.

Insight as to what may be my problem and diagnostic course is always appreciated.

I hope I have provided enough info and not omitted relevant information.

I really can't express my annoyance/anger/disgust properly.

Thanks again folks.

Chris Barber.
Houston
Velocity 13b

Sent from my iPhone 5
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