Engine and Transmission Tech

I've test fired my Olds 215 engine after installation into the car. Each time I have had to shut it down after 2-3 seconds because the oil pressure steadily, quickly climbs to 80 psi. I changed oil filters with the same result. I have a second gauge to install to rule out a faulty gauge, I will try this tonight.

Background:

-analog oil pressure gauge (copper line plumbed directly to gauge from oil filter adapter)
-oil filter adapter originally did not have a fitting for oil pressure tap - I drilled and tapped for the oil pressure gauge line.
-I bought the engine last year from a gent in IA who used the engine for autocross.
-Known engine mods from stock (performed by previous owner): Buick 300 crank, aftermarket intake & carb, Hyfire ignition.
-I am using 10w-40 oil.


Questions:

-What are your thoughts?
-What pressure is typical for a 61-63 215 engine?
-Does this sound like an oil pressure bypass spring issue?
-If it is an oil pressure bypass spring issue, how do I check/change?
-Is it possible that the engine was setup with tighter clearances and rebuilt with the intention of using lighter oil (5w-30, etc...)?







Thanks in advance.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/29/2011 11:40AM by olds70supreme.

Doesn't sound like that much of a problem, you should wait until it warms up and see what pressure you are running. It looks like you have either the high volume oil pump mod, which does have a reputation for causing faster wear of the distributor gear, or the booster plate which stabilizes the pump cavity and provides a new wear surface for the gears. Buick V8 oiling is an important area to be familiar with and a search will bring up lots of info on it. Current wisdom is to do all of the flow mods, keep all clearances tight, use the booster plate and a good relief spring but no high volume mod. It is not abnormal to see around 80 psi cold, maybe a little higher. One good reason not to run the engine hard before it has warmed up. If your hot oil pressure is in the normal range I wouldn't worry. But you really won't know anything until it is good and warm. You can unbolt the filter housing to see what gears you have. If they extend through the spacer you have the high volume kit and if not you have the booster plate. If you change anything there watch your end clearance, it should be as tight as you can get it without the gears dragging. TA-Performance sells shim kits and other parts.

JB

Thanks for the response, maybe I am worrying about nothing? When you say normal hot oil pressure range, what kind of pressure do you consider normal? 10-50psi, 20-50psi, 40-50 psi, etc...?

I like to see about 45 psi at cruising speed, or around 2000 rpm. Rule of thumb is 10 psi per thousand rpm for performance engines so anything over 10 at idle is good.

JB

FWIW, my Ford 302 typically operates at 80psi (cold) and 70psi (hot) and 50psi (hot low idle) with 10-30 oil.
Some years ago, I also had concern for the pressure readings and contacted the oil pump supplier (Melling) - they advised that their pump has a 70psi relief spring which was a perfectly normal setting for this engine.
All the BOP/Rover engines that I'm familiar with have readings in the 20-50 range.