The Cal-look Lounge

Does anyone have any ideas.

Since new my 2276 with 30mm Melling oil pump and berg cover takes ages to build oil pressure. So long that once started I was worried to touch the throttle until pressure built up. I got into the habit each time by cranking the engine without starting for approx 10 secs ( I have an ignition cut off switch installed) and once pressure was registered then Ide let her fire up.
The engine came apart a few years ago for as freshen up and all internals were fine and I checked all oil pickups into the deep sump and could see no areas of leakage or for air to get in.
The same problem continues even today. If I leave her un started for long periods I cannot get any oil pickup and have to remove the oil line from the berg cover and crank again. I get a large burp of air then the oil comes.
Once pressure has registered I have plenty of pressure even when hot. Its just from initial starting ( either hot or cold ) I get the problem.
Ive tried removing the external cooler and oil filter from the sytem thinking there was a problem somewhere but the same thing happens.
Any ideas guys. ??

Cheers.

dodgy pressure switch?

Check it with a Manual Oil Press Gauge see what happens

I had a similar kind of problem.
My oil pickup pipe had snapped where the 10mm botl would usually hold it in place.
Probably not ur problem but its maybe worth a check?

Stef

Thanks guys..
Pickup tube was OK last time out, and have checked pressure with manual gauge and the problem persists.
Motor will be torn down again soon for a freshen up again and to put some more HP in there, so Ill fit a new pump and mod the oil pick up tube.

Cheers

Do you use a sump for extra oil capacity? If so, is the extension tube welded to the pick-up tube (air-tight)?
Just an idea.

Same here, i even solder after the weld just to make sure. Also i RTV the area around the input-side to oilpump.

What filters are you using? 

Yes I agree, maybe a pickup tube problem and No I dont think ( from memory) that the extension is welded on and Im picking up air. Im using berg deep sump.
Bruce Fram Filters, with oil thermostat just after filter, before Lines run forward to from mounted Porsche cooler.
Im sure its the pickup tube and will inspect and weld this extension piece on.

cheers

Notoriously crappy anti-drainback valve design.  Is your filter higher than the oil level?

same here, same fram-filter...... :-X

I have built hundreds of engines and encountered this a few times.... Even if the puck up tube is not sealing at the point it is clamped on it is still submerged below the oil level.

Replace the pump. Put a Shadec Super HD30  in there, if it doesn't fix the problem I will pay for the pump.

K-Roc,

Yup thats what I was thinking. Pick up tube is still submerged so it should not be a problem.

Ill be changing out the Melling pump for sure.

Cheers K Roc.