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Old January 4th 07, 12:17 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Kyle Boatright
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Posts: 578
Default Oil pressure problem


"Aluckyguess" wrote in message
...
I have a Bonanza V35 with a IO 470. Before and after engine overhaul the
oil pressure after the engine warms up goes just into the red. They have
tried turning the pressure up but this seems to only make the pressure go
up when cold. If the temperature outside is real cool the pressure goes
over 200 psi. The engine builder said its in spec. I think there is a
problem somewhere. I want the oil pressure to run in the green. Does
anybody have any ideas on what could be causing this. I'm afraid its going
to blow the gage out one cold morning.
Thanks


We need more details. In particular, is the oil pressure low at cruise RPM,
or just at idle RPM? How hot is the oil when you see these readings? The
spec's for my engine allow the oil pressure to fall to the very bottom of
the yellow arc, possibly into the red if the oil is hot and RPM are low.

Turning the pressure relief valve up or down only sets the maximum possible
pressure. It doesn't help boost pressure when the oil is hot. If you've got
it too tight, you may indeed get 200 PSI on start-up, but that won't do you
a bit of good once the oil gets warm. Once the oil is warm, pressure is
dictated by how "loose" your engine is. Turn the pressure relief valve back
to where it limits pressure on start-up to what the book recommends. You'll
be sorry if you don't - you'll damage something, possibly a filter, possibly
something internal to the engine.

KB