MC engine rebuild - low oil pressure

[EBavely]

Ben...

Thanks for your comments... The pressure was measured at idle when cold at
30-35 psi (around 2-2.5 bar), then at idle when warm around 10-15 psi,
however,  when driving (under 4k rpm), the pressure only rises about 10-15
psi or so when warm or cold throughout the range.

With other engines I've worked on, seems like pressure is normally much
higher... Plus, since this engine is newly rebuilt, pressure _should_ be
pretty high since all the tolerances should be rather tight. <snip>

Another lister commented that it would be worth checking the oil thermostat
in the filter flange...

I'm still trying to research other things that would cause the problem on
this engine.... Anyone else seen this or have ideas?

Elliott Bavely

86 4ktq
83 CGT
81 Coupe ITB
88 80 Fwd
Bunch of other VAG products.




> Try perhaps switching to a straigh 30 weight as your break in oil, then
> switch to 10W-40 winter or 20W-50 summer.  Personal experience is 10W-30
is
> too light for these engines.
>
> That pressure does sound low - was it measured at idle or at higher RPM?
>
> Ben
>
> [Patient:  Rebuilt 1986 MC-1 turbo engine recently installed in my 4kq.
>
> The engine in question was completely rebuilt (by me and a friend) with a
> checked std. size crank (verified by machine shop), new bearings all the
> way
> around, rings, guides, seals, etc.
>
> Symptoms:  Oil pressure cold is around 30-35 psi (around 2-2.5 bar), then
> drops to around 10-15 psi when warm.  Pressure warning light and buzzer go
> off above 2200 rpm (as designed).  Pressure does not rise much when engine
> is revved.  Oil is traditional Castrol 10w30 for break in period.
> <snip>
>
> Any other ideas or things to check?  Obviously, I wanted to avoid getting
> back into the bottom end so soon after the swap... kind of bums me out and
> lets some wind out of the sails.
>
> Thanks guys...
>
> Elliott Bavely
>