Since my car came back from the shop that had it for seven months the oil pressure at idle has collapsed. Lord knows what they did with it....
Previously it was around 10-12psi hot at 770rpm idle, now even with new 20/50 and filter, it barely troubles the (capillary) gauge.
Clutching at straws, I have a new tadpole and spring that I bought many years ago for another engine.... so here's a silly question... if I remove the pressure relief valve will the oil pump lose its prime?
Ivor
Since it is on the output side you should be OK Ivor. But don't let it sit open longer than you have to.
Jim
Just done the deed.
The new spring was a lot stronger, didn't want to go back in, difficult from underneath, it all escaped at one point and fell on the gravel, hardly the antiseptic environment one might wish.
The system did not lose the prime... ran it for a minute or so, can see there's more pressure than before, maybe the spring maybe the valve has a better seat, see how it is when fully hot.
Ivor