1990 Testarossa Oil Pressure | FerrariChat
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1990 Testarossa Oil Pressure

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Talkwrench, Jul 27, 2011.

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  1. Talkwrench

    Talkwrench Rookie

    Nov 16, 2010
    15
    West Yorkshire UK
    Full Name:
    Michael Millar
    #1 Talkwrench, Jul 27, 2011
    We have a Testarossa in showing signs of excessive oil pressure. The gauge shows around 130psi (just over 3/4 on the gauge) at 2500rpm until the oil is fully up to temperature.
    The oil filter was distorted out of shape when we removed it.
    What is normal pressure when cold (or at least, cool!)?
    Where is the oil pressure relief valve located? Easy to get to and clean?
    Thanks for the help
    Michael
     
  2. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #2 vincenzo, Jul 27, 2011
    figure 10-12psi at idle and gaining 10psi per 1000 additional revs (ie 10 to 12 at 1000 rev idle and 70-75 at 7000 rpm.

    Higher than 70-75psi is neither needed nor desired.

    maybe your viscosity is too high and/or your oil too cold. are you sure of the vis?

    i'd expect that pressure with 50 weight oil at cold temps.

    rgds,
    vince
     
  3. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #3 Spasso, Jul 27, 2011
    The distorted oil filter is not a good sign.
    I would tap an external mechanical oil pressure gauge to the system to get an accurate reading FIRST (if there is a place to do it), before doing anything else..
     
  4. Talkwrench

    Talkwrench Rookie

    Nov 16, 2010
    15
    West Yorkshire UK
    Full Name:
    Michael Millar
    #4 Talkwrench, Jul 28, 2011
    It looks like the gauge is accurate.
    What readings do other people get with a cold engine?
    Any idea where the relief valve is?
     
  5. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #5 Spasso, Jul 28, 2011
    Do not trust the factory gauge until verified with a mechanical gauge.
    IIRC mine reads around 65 or 70 psi when COLD at 1100 RPM.
     
  6. Marty

    Marty Karting

    Nov 21, 2003
    108
    Boston/PTown/SW FL
    Full Name:
    Martin Stark
    #6 Marty, Jul 30, 2011
    IIRC 85 is the normal oil pressure at 2000 or so rpm. My '87 TR's oil pressure (running Mobil 1 15W-50) will run about 135 psi until the oil is well up to temperature. I have never seen pressure below about 40 even at idle when hot.
     
  7. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #7 PAP 348, Aug 10, 2011
    Yes!!! Never trust the factory gauges, especially in a Ferrari. :D:D

    Tee-in a mechanical gauge to be 100% sure. :):)
     
  8. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #8 Spasso, Aug 10, 2011
    I rechecked mine and the factory gauge reads 80 minimum during a cold start up.
    I can't say that is accurate because I haven't checked with a mechanical gauge.
     

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