Hi,

I've just re-built my C20XE, i've cracked it over on the starter to get oil pressure and it goes off the gauge, (5 bar gauge), should i reduce the pressure before starting the engine it or see what it does when warm? Don't want to damage anything. What sort of pressure should i see on gauge when turning over on starter?

cheers Sandy

I cant tell you about your engine I'm afraid, but I see 50ish psi on the starter on mine (3sgte), when cold. You should have a pressure relief valve in the engine that takes the top off it?

Not overfull is it?

Just a thought, I'm probably talking C - rap

Hi,

no shouldn't be overfull. i'm using the SBD sump and only put in 4L, is was going to put the last 1/2L in just before starting up to make sure there was some oil going around the top of engine

my pinto runs at 80psi as it has a high pressure pump, my v6 was 30 and 10 at idle, yours sounds fine

5 Bar is around 75 psi
My c20xe runs 80psi idle cold
80 psi at over 1500 rpm ( hot )
45psi hot idle

So withy that in mind it's no surprise your gauge is at max IMHO
Mines is a std pump set up.
hope this helps. the relief seems to kick in on mines at around 95psi.

Sometimes too high an oil pressure can spin the bearing shells when cold and starting up.
Excessive oil pressure is not a badge of honor.
Although some do see it as antidote for messed running clearances.

the engine in my car ran at over 6 bar when it was cold