Disappearing oil pressure

[Brm Brm]

My SEAC has hit a snag in the final stages of rebuild. It was running fine yesterday but trying to start it this morning it would not build ANY oil pressure. It did the same thing once before a few months ago but I put it down to a pickup problem due to the hill it was parked on and low oil. When I topped it up and moved it onto the flat it was OK and didnt do it agin - until now. Its definitely not an indication problem, the pump, pump drive and pressure relief valve look OK, anyone got any ideas??. Intermittent relief valve problem?? Sump is coming off tomorrow to check the pickup..........

[Nacnud]

Welcome Back !
Hope it's not too serious. Fingers crossed - Nacnud

P.S. Any chance you might make it this Sunday?

[Brm Brm]

The plan had been to pick it up on Saturday but that is obviously looking dodgy at the moment. Should have some more info tomorrow. How is your beastie at the moment???

[Nacnud]

Errm, back Friday or Saturday......

It's having it's 1000 mile post-rebuild inspection. I.E. fixing the unreliable starter motor and sorting out a lot of the other items on my gripe list.

Looking good at the moment as they are planning to finish the work tomorrow. Mind you - they are on pain of death if it's not drivable this Sunday.

[mikeb]

You definately checked the oil pressure sender and any pressure dial / electrical problems that might cause a misread??.

Mike

ps. Good to see you at Combe the other week

http//www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk

[Wedg1e]

Safest way I can think of to check is to whip out the distributor and make up a rod to couple the oil pump driveshaft to an electric drill. Then spin it up and see if you get pressure (better still, pull off a rocker cover and see if you get oil to the rocker gear).
If not, probably the relief valve stuck. Apparently there's a modified oil pump housing available that cures the valve sticking problem, and an uprated spring to get another 10psi oil pressure. Talk to Rimmers.

W.

[shpub]

The obvious thing is if the oil pump has lost oil then it will need priming first with vaseline otherwise it will never (well hardly ever) produce pressure.

You might also want to consider a baffled sump that will help stop this happening again. The 520 uses a JEDevelopments want which also helps cprevent oil surge when the car is driven hard.

Regards
Steve