Water Temp/Oil Pressure/Oli Spec.

[Frog2Spider]

In a fuel injected 44,000 mile 2000 cc motor:

What oil pressure, at speed, is considered 'normal' or optimal?

Whats normal or optimal water temperature, while at highway speed?

At what temperature does your fan come on?

What oil weight and brand do you use?

Dave

[RRoller123]

1) I don't know. I am told that the gauge is basically a binary indicator.

2) Mine runs 170F on the gauge. There are varying temp T-tats, I have heard 190F mentioned.

3) ~195+F on the gauge.

4) Shell Rotella Diesel 15W-40, plus many others are recommended; Synthetics and High Mileage, etc. We just did a thread on this in the past week. A quick search should pull it up.

[aj81spider]

The oil pressure reading can depend a lot on your sender. Mine ran at close to 0 for a long time. I changed the sender and cleaned out all the passages and now it runs just below the 40 on the white marked numbers. It does vary some as you drive.

[Nanonevol]

My oil pressure reads zero when I start the car but if I tap the gauge it jumps up to about 20-30. I love that!

[vandor]

At speed 40-50 psi is normal oil pressure. The middle mark on the gauge is 55 psi.
Normal water temp is ~190-195. If running a lower temp thermostat then it may be lower.

I use 20w50 Valvoline VR1 racing oil, as it has zinc in it. Be cautious, however as oil with too much zinc can kill a catalytic converter.

[Frog2Spider]

My reason for asking is that I recently installed a electric oil pressure gauge, and a new sender unit to the temp. gauge.

At idle, I'm reading 50 psi and 60 psi when underway. I thought this was high and wondering if I should use a different oil weight. I'm presently using 20/50 Valvaline VR-1.

When underway the operating temperature is now 195-210. The fan comes on at around 230.
Before changing the sending unit, I ran at 190 and the fan came on at around 210.
So, I'm not sure if the old sender or the new sender is 'off'.

I plan to use a thermometer, but not sure where to place it for an actuate temperature reading.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Dave

[RRoller123]

Those coolant operating temperatures seem quite high...

Csaba, my car seems to have the lower T-Stat, as it always runs about 170F. Is there any consequence of running low? Maybe more carbon buildup versus higher operating temp? It will bump to 195+F and fan-on cycle perfectly at idle, and never overheats during hot Summer weather, but always runs low when moving along.

Pete

[Frog2Spider]

With regards to operating temperature, I've been told that the sending units and gauges are vastly in-actuate. Based on my experience, and the experience of the others who have posted here, I'm thinking this to be so.

Still would like to know 'how & where' to place a thermometer to test the reading from the my gauge.

Dave

[aj81spider]

The owners manual for the 1981 specifies 15W40 for multi-grade oil.

[Frog2Spider]

Thanks AJ ...

Dave

[vandor]

> I've been told that the sending units and gauges are vastly in-actuate

A lot of people say that, but I disagree. When working properly the gauges are accurate.

[divace73]

> I've been told that the sending units and gauges are vastly in-actuate

A lot of people say that, but I disagree. When working properly the gauges are accurate.

Mine are mostly okay but they are also known as Vague Liars (Veglia)...

[Frog2Spider]

When my headlights are working properly, I can see at night ....

Sorry, I couldn't resist !!

Dave

[VAspider]

The old rule of thumb for oil pressure is 10psi/1,000 rpm. Oil flow is more important than oil pressure, pumps do not provide pressure just flow. High volume pumps are available for almost all of the domestic V8 engines which a gain increases flow not pressure. I also use the VR1 oil in my Spider.

Frank

[gandyrail]

OK something bugs me about using the diesel oils
I understand the zinc in the oil but what about the cat wont the zinc kill the cat
I would rather be replacing cats than engine parts but has anyone any issues with plugging the cat?