restrictor / check valve in oil feed to BMW K head?
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi all,

I'm currently preparing the build of my NA BMW K head on a 1380 A+ block.
The block and head will be dry decked and also the oil journals will not make connection there.

So, to feed the head with oil, I think about a line from the oil pressure switch hole to the head.
1) Should I include a restrictor to avoid an overload of oil to the head (thus lower sump level)
2) Is so, anybody who knows a size by experience?
3) If size unknown, what oil pressure is still acceptable in the head ... 35 psi?

.... or should I take my oil feed from a different place? E.a. the original oil journal which goes from the cam bearing to the deck of the block could be drilled from the outside to take off oil.


Would it be clever to use a check valve in the oil line to the head in order to avoid draining? Does anybody has the T-shirt? (did-it, done-it...) I prefer to have a proper lubrication under pressure even in the head as short as possible after starting.

many thanks!

I would not restrict oil to 2 cams,
a check valve might work, but its somthing to fail and cut flow to the head, also if its sprung loaded it could reduce/cut the flow to the head at idle.

I have this setup. No check valve or anything like that. I doubt it will make that much difference.I take my oil pressure readings from the head inlet. This way i can be 100% sure what pressure the head is seeing. Pressure seems to get up as soon as the car starts but takes a second or two to rise to full pressure. Pretty normal stuff.

You dont need to restrict it. Infact probably better you dont. Unless the cam bearings are knackered i cant see you flooding the head with oil. If you do take it via the original head feed then make sure you groove the jackshaft/bearing so you have a constant feed rather then the pulsed feed they have to the rockers as standard. Less hassle to just take it from the original oil pressure feed.

Thanks guys! Good to know there is no need for more headache.

Regards, Bart

any pics of the feed would be of help for my build. thanks

my block is still at the machine shop to get bored... so I'm not in stage to show pics about that yet