HIGH OIL PRESSURE

I just changed the oil and filter in my 89 BFN. I put in Valvoline VR-1 Racing Oil straight 30 weight and a NAPA Gold filter because we have been doing some cold weather footing, that is what the PCM manual said to use in the reference section. Prior to the oil change I was running around 20-25 PSI at idle and 60-65 PSI at WOT. Last night when we started it up the pressure was high and stayed high. At idle it was 65-70 PSI and then we took it out to run it real quick and see what the pressure would do... it pegged at 80+ PSI. This has gotta me very worried, I don't want to cause any damage. Any suggesting would be much appreciated, Thanks in advance.

Ford or Chevy?

jesus Doc please give us a break. There's nothing wrong with the napa gold filters pretty decent filters if you ask me and not the source of the any restriction or pressure increase for that matter.

The increase in pressure is because you are using a much thicker oil that does not thin out as it gets hot. Should have stuck with the 20w50 no real reason to switch just because it's cooler out if anything should use a thinner weight so it doesn't labor when cold.

Yes, Steve it is me! Thanks for the welcome. I will get some pics up soon, been super busy. Just ended up draining all of the water an hour ago just to be on the safe side, I would be crying the blues if the garage door ever got left open was super easy.

Boat Dr:

I am not sure if the Napa could be the cause of the problem... I will change if you think that is the problem. My dealership uses Napa Gold and suggested it for our boat. And again the straight grade was insisted by the dealership as well ... def. not saying you are wrong just givin you the details.

Buffalo- Chevy BB

TRBenj- Should we change over to the multi viscosity? I am not sure what the PO used. Def. a big change in oil pressure to make me comfortable. We let the boat warm up for almost 20 minutes; I was working on the trailer and just let it run. It was about 35 degrees outside I was sure what the water temp was, but it was def. cold.

79- Multivisocity Oil even though the manual says so?


All the help will be much appreciated. Thanks a ton!

Welcome! Bring on the pictures man.

Boat and Fooin' pic that is!

I have been running the Rotella 40 T in my stroker w/ a FL 1-A filter and have no issues with the oil pressure.
My deal there and as always is use what was OEM and I bet it was not a NAPA.Your motor , do what you want. But in my shop its AC on GM and Motorcraft on FoMoCo..........
I hear a mumbling in the backgound, must be Chris and his BS .My guess Chris is you were on the design team that contracted out NAPA/ CRAPPA filters too?????????????????   

I know you guys have seen this video of our race
Barefoot race start
But next year, the boat to left, looking at the skiers, the ones that Brendan high fives with, will be replaced with a sweet '89 Barefoot Nautique. Footer89 is on that team.
It will also replace one of the boats in this video;
Bridge Flyers
Now they will be looking for rough water at the races.
Steve

Contacted PCM. Here was there reply:

"We recommend 30 or 40 weight oil. I would test with a mechanical gauge to verify what you are seeing on the dash. Your engine should hold seven quarts and there is no specific recommend oil filter."

Still at a lost. I hope to get a mechanical gauge on it sometime here in the near future.

BuffaloBFN wrote: This reminds me of my '79 when I put a new sender on and didn't know any better about the differences between auto and marine. <-- Pre CCFan!

What's the difference?

Riley wrote: What's the difference?

Probably $20 or $30 bucks!

I used Mercruiser 25W40 and a PCM filter with no problems but I'd follow PCMs recomendation and check the gauge before i got to excited.

Good Luck. Let us know what you find out.

BuffaloBFN wrote: Riley wrote: BuffaloBFN wrote: This reminds me of my '79 when I put a new sender on and didn't know any better about the differences between auto and marine. <-- Pre CCFan! What's the difference? I think it has to do with the resistance of the sender. Others can explain it better, but they send different signals.

yes your correct the resitance that the sending unit and gauge are calibrated to.

Doc, what clearances do you run on your main and rod bearing? Please don't read anything into this question,.... I'm just curious.
-Brian

boat dr wrote:    Throw that NAPA stuff in the recycle bin and install the proper filter for this application........Boat dr

You've gotta be kidding. That's one of the best filters on the market.

BTW they're made by Wix.

SASHAY1939 wrote: Just a word about oils guys. Most engine this age use straight weight oil because the additive package in multi-vis oil do not perform properly at the low oil temps in marine engines. Also I think you will find "racing oils" are non-detergent. An engine with hydralic lifters needs the detergent package.

My research has indicated that the technology used in the multivis oils has come a long way in the last 10-20 years. I suspect that is largely the reason why PCM, Indmar and other engine marinizers now recommend a good multivis (15w40, 20w50, etc) instead of straight weight. This recommendation often applies to the older engines as well.

Youre correct about the detergent packages in racing oil- typical racing oils often have very short recommended change intervals because of this. It is worth noting that Valvoline Racing (blue bottle) falls into this category, but Valvoline Racing VR1 (silver bottle) does NOT. The VR1 has the same detergent package as the road-going oils and has the same recommended OCI.