<VV> Oil pressure spring

[Craig Nicol]

Pete wrote:
Reading past posts on oils I have some thoughts concerning the use of the
oil press spring that increases the oil press to 60 lbs. My freshly rebuilt
110 has this spring and with a mechanical guage my oil pressure is 60 at
idle and maybe a little higher with some RPM. Is this to much pressure when
used with some oils? My thoughts when using this spring was that oil would
reach the furthest point easier and thus give more wear pertection. Am I
correct or should I reconcider and put the lower Pressure spring back in.
After the breakin period I plan to use a Sinthetic oil.


Craig replies:

I see two issues with running a higher oil pressure (almost double). First,
Bob Helt has some data on increased oil temperature caused by high pressure
pumps. I can't remember the number, but it was significant, like 30 degrees
F or so and secondly, there's the issue of oil filter seals, which can fail
at elevated pressures. I don't see the point of taking the step given the
excellent track record of the 35 PSI system, especially with oil
improvements over the years. Be sure to select an oil that has adequate
ZDDP, at least until your camshaft is broken in.
Craig Nicol