Time for a rebuild?
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi Guys,

My 1380 has been running brillaintly over the last few months which means its going to break very soon.
I've been noticing the idle oil pressure is getting lower and lower, changed the oil and the pressure releif valve (hoping more than anything) but its not getting any better, so i think its time to pull it out, pop the gearbox off and see whats going on.
However i've never done this before and its all very scary. I'm strapped for cash so can't be having MED or the like do it for me.
Can any one give me an idea of what might course low oil pressure at idle (only at idle at 1500rpm its at 50psi when hot)? so i know which part of the engine to start my search.

Thanks

what is the oil pressure at idle?

10psi when hot

could just turn the idle speed up, that gets me another 10 or more psi. lol

It is tired, no amount of messing with idle speed or the relief valve will cure it longer term, in the past I tried all the same things.
It will be worn crank/bearings and oil pump most likely.

is it worth doing anything else while its apart (excluding gaskets)? I'll clean eveything up but should i order any other items?

it depends on what spec it is at the moment and what is knackered when you take it to bots I suppose.

If your happy with the spec, then pull it apart and see what condition it is all in.

My oil pressure when hot is about 20psi & I've just had a brand new motor with new turbo oil pump fitted so can't be me engine or pump

does having a oil cooler and remote filter reduce pressure?

No it should not do. Oil pressure is generated by the pump pushing oil through the clearances of the crank bearings, cam bearings etc. As these wear then the clearances increase, and the oil pressure drops. When the oil is cold and the engine is cold the oil is much thicker so you see better pressure. As the oil heats up it thins out and hence travels more easily through the clearances, thus the pressure required to push it is less.

What oil are you using?

As Tom says, worn crank bearings and oil pump
The crank may be ok? And not need a regrind

But you will have to see?
As long as the engine didn't. Smoke and ran well it will just need a freshen up Inc timing chain cam followers seals etc. .....

Yeah its been running great! just had it rolling roaded up down at northampton motor sport and it made good power.

I am wondering about making a change and going away from NA while the engine needs work.

I'd start afresh with somthing like a 998 or 1275 (If i could find one at a good price)

Small bore turbo ;] the way forward.