low oil pressure while ideling

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Zacke
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low oil pressure while ideling

Post by Zacke »

Hey guys,

after startup and while taxiing sooner or later you will get low oil pressure. You try to keep low rpm for not to boil her on your way to t/o but the oil is still so hot your're down to 30 lbs. pressure or so. Does that harm the engine or would that be only a threat with high rpm?

Thanks in advance,
Zacke

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Killratio
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Re: low oil pressure while ideling

Post by Killratio »

Have you filled the oil tank Zacke?

That sounds like you have either an oil leak or you have a half empty tank.
The Spitfire uses oil at a steady rate, much slower than fuel but consistently.

I'd also check the condition of your cylinders. 30Lbs per sq in is emergency territory.

Regards

Darryl
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Zacke
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Posts: 381
Joined: 27 Sep 2018, 08:18
Location: EDNY

Re: low oil pressure while ideling

Post by Zacke »

Darryl, that's with a brand new Spit. Oil tank is completely full, no leaks.

Checked that again: oil temp 60-70°C, oil press dancing between 30 and 45 psi while ideling (throttle just above rough running). I remember the Mustang also had quite a low oil pressure while idling. After landing the red oil pressure warning light (civ version) often came up when rpm where below 800-1000.

So the question is: Does that harm the engine when at idle? Maybe it's quite normal to have that low pressures with hot oil while on ground. As long the pressure comes up when you rev her up (slowly :)).

Regards,
Zacke

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Killratio
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Posts: 5785
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Location: The South West of the large island off the north coast of Tasmania
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Re: low oil pressure while ideling

Post by Killratio »

As long as it is moving up to 45 that is fine. This is just the needle bouncing around. Idle causes a lot of vibration and the Merlin is not at all happy to do it for long. But what you are describing is normal and safe for the engine.
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Zacke
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Posts: 381
Joined: 27 Sep 2018, 08:18
Location: EDNY

Re: low oil pressure while ideling

Post by Zacke »

Thanks!

Zacke

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