Oil Pressure Drop in my Bonanza Mid Flight

[RageShade1]

Just had what i believe to be a bearing or oil pump issue mid flight. She was a used aircraft with dirty black oil and a yellow oil pump, Ive let the filter get red. Noticed CHT climbing and looked at the oil pressure, Shes down to 29-31psi was about 45-47psi before at cruise. Still holding cruise speeds though so im gonna keep goin.

[Scott - A2A]

Let us know what the cause was.

Scott

[RageShade1]

Was as i suspected a main bearing failure, By the time i set down a few hours later it was holding 25-27psi of pressure and could only hit about 2200rpm stopped on the ground, But it not seized yet, Still runs and flies so im going to keep goin lol

[ClipperLuna]

Was as i suspected a main bearing failure, By the time i set down a few hours later it was holding 25-27psi of pressure and could only hit about 2200rpm stopped on the ground, But it not seized yet, Still runs and flies so im going to keep goin lol

Keep us updated. I'd like to hear how this story turns out. How's it doing power-wise?

[RageShade1]

Its fairly down on power, Full climb power at 500ft/min is around 80-85 knots, Can still manage around 130 knot cruise at 2500rpm though, Oil pressures enough to keep from seizing, I did a test and pulled prop pitch all the way back from max and oil pressure dropped to 4psi doing it haha.

[RageShade1]

As a side note an engine in this shape would be making a bunch of noise while running wouldn't it?, Any chance of getting big end knock effects lol

[Scott - A2A]

As a side note an engine in this shape would be making a bunch of noise while running wouldn't it?, Any chance of getting big end knock effects lol

I don't think it would be making any noise. The bearings are worn down to the point of not being able to make enough resistance for the oil pressure and also the cylinders are allowing air to pass by.

Scott.