I'm out for a while

#1

Engine #8 had oil pressure problems at it’s debut event. I came off of the last couple sessions at VIR after 10min because the OP was just too low. 32psi at 5k rpm, and ~40psi at redline.

I’m disappointed enough that I just need to walk away for a while. Cleverly, I find that my spare, the weak POS that it is, is 7hrs away. But even if it was here, you couldn’t get me to do another engine swap anytime soon with a gun to my head.

I’m going to get some exercise, drink some beer, and spend some time restoring my enthusiasm.

#2

sad to hear. you’ve put up with 5x what a normal man would put up with. And it’s perfectly clear that you are not normal. And that is how I know you’ll be back sooner than you think (I hope).

Take so time. See you at CMP in November…

#3

Give it few weeks, take a deep breath and get it back together for CMP. Good luck. oh, and you as well ScottMC.

#4

Sorry to hear that. By the way, those oil pressure numbers do not seem all that frightning. My Factory Five has run a junkyard 302 for two years and counting now, and it makes somewhere around 32psi at 5500rpm. I say keep running it. Coming to an event without you there just won’t be the same. Therefore, you need to come.

#5

scottmc wrote:

+1. Nah. +100.

I’d be happy to pitch in for a new oil pressure gauge face that doubles the numbers. 80 psi at redline is just a Sharpie away!!

#6

Those oil pressure numbers also don’t seem that frightening to me. I mean this was your awesome professional bulit motor right. What did Chuck say about it? As long as it is running good, I would say tape over your oil pressure gauges and just keep running. I think you are just way too worried about oil pressure. I really hope you rethink this and are back on track soon.

#7

I think that Chuck and I suspect the oil pressure relief valve. Though I have seen collapse of an oil filter cause the same symptoms. I seriously doubt the bearings are the cause. You’d have to make a series of pretty gross mistakes to get the clearances off enough when building the motor to cause this.

For this class of engine build somewhere around 70psi at 6k (hot) would be normal. So seeing 40psi or less is something to be concerned about.

#8

Send that oil in for analysis. If is full of metal you need to re-think this motor. If not run the shit out of it…

One of the reasons that I keep stock gauges (aside from the fact that I am broke) is that there are no other guages for me to worry about. OP - as long as the idiot light doesn’t stay on. I don’t care. Oil Temp - I don’t care.

You won’t be able to stay away long and we look forward to your speedy return.

Don

#9

Thats a bummer Scott. Feel your pain. See you at CMP or is that too soon?

#10

Scott - sorry to hear it, but 2 things:

  1. I’m sure Chuck, Jim, and you can figure this out without spending tons of money.

  2. There is just no way that you can stay away from all this for any kind of extended time.

#11

Ranger wrote:

[quote]32psi at 5k rpm, and ~40psi at redline.quote]

Ranger - don’t give up so easy! You’re the only guy I’ve seen that’s more tenacious than I am. :slight_smile: Have you checked the accuracy of your senders/guages? Maybe they’re 30 psi or so low.

#12

In order to rule a gauge problem out, I connected a 2nd OP sensor and gauge in parallel to the first one while at VIR. The OP’s that I listed were from that second gauge/sensor that was reading 5psi higher then the primary one.

I was annoyed that my two VDO gauges and senders were 5psi apart, even tho they were on the same manifold. I’m going mechanical for OP.

I was removing the oil pan last night and knocked off the project a bit before midnight so I could go for a run. I’ll swap out the oil pressure relief valve tonight with a spare and this weekend we’ll see if I can get the oil hot enough in the garage to test it.

#13

Scott, Sorry to hear you’re giving it a break… I would have given up long ago! :laugh: :laugh:

It really wont be the same without you around so please do take some time off (a week tops) Dont touch the car at all and then get back at it. The good thing about this is if I know you at all, “Some time away” for the most of us is probably a few months or more but for you, its like a few hours.

Good Luck!

Jones

#14

Glad to see that you’re already tinkering with the car again.It is an addiction that is actually good for you in comparison to those that cost money, cause divorces, sleepless nights, health problems, ill-will with neighbors…wait a minute.

With Chuck Taylor’s help we spent the weekend building a new Spec E30 car for the future son-in-law, Danny Parkhurst. It should be ready to run in about one more weekend of tinkering.

Bet we can be on the track before you.

Everyone needs a challenge.

Hang in there Scott, we will miss your presence if your not at the track.

RP

#15

The engine is going to be rebuilt. I’m hoping #9 will be ready in time for RA.

#16

That’s what I like to hear. Good luck. The third third time is the charm.

#17

King Tut wrote:

+1

#18

Ranger wrote:

#19

damn right…what was up with #8???

Al

#20

wow… i guess i missed this one…sorry to hear man… so is #9 a rebuild of #8 or the spare?