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, Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:24:02
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"What's the minimum I can do to fix the low oil pressure problem, and yet have an engine that will serve me several more years? Is what I am asking a pipe dream? Thanks for the help!"
First off, it's not clear from information you give that you have a problem, though it is certainly possible. A rough rule of thumb for hot oil pressure is 10PSI/1000RPM, up to the limit set by the pressure relief valve which I don't remember for V4 but is usually in the 60PSI neighborhood. If you have 10PSI at hot idle you are probably fine for the time being, and might get by for several years as is depending on lots of things like how much and how hard you drive. For better analysis please report cold and hot pressures at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000RPM and what oil you are using. I could then make a better guess if bearing wear is indicated.
Second, if you are concerned about low indicated oil pressure, before you go to a lot of trouble that may be unnecessary, check oil pressures with a different gauge. You may have a gauge problem not a pressure problem.
How long have you been running this engine, what do you know of its history/mileage before you got it, has indicated oil pressure dropped in the time you have had it, what kind of oil gauge do you have (add-on I assume), is the oil light still operative and what does it indicate?
If complete oil pressure numbers validated by a different gauge suggest bearing wear, you will need new rod and main and camshaft and balance shaft bearings and an engine gasket set. Engine removal and pretty much complete disassembly are required. Careful inspection & measurement of the shafts is essential unless you want to risk a lot of effort for naught.
Pull the accessory belt and wiggle the balance shaft pulley up-down and side-to-side. If you have significant play there the bearing is worn and can cause low oil pressure.
I forgot to say, rocker and rocker shaft wear also affect oil pressure.
The bottom line iw, half-measures are very likely to be unsatisfying in the long run and if you really have engine wear resulting in low oil pressure; your long-term satisfaction will be best served by biting the bullet and rebuilding the engine. Hardened valve seats are a must if the heads are off. Anything less than a rebuild is chancy and the measures taken should be be supported by professional-quality inspection once the engine is apart.
posted by 198.69.25...
, Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:24:02, Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:03:56, Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:31:15, Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:10:01
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