aerovee high oil pressure

[SNX1508]

OK, let me start by saying that OF COURSE I'll be using recommended oil. I really don't think that there is much science behind suggesting that an engine can be ruined in less than an hour of sub-1200 rpm by using Quaker State multi-grade automotive oil. I absolutely get it that a higher zinc content is desirable, but please... an hour of Quaker State is not going to trash my cam and/or lifters, anecdotal accounts aside. But rest assured, the next engine start will be with a sump full of 20W50 Valvoline VR-1.

And yes, I will be installing an oil cooler. Just unnecessary in this cooler Canadian climate right this very minute. But eventually.

I will take a look at the rear relief valve. As for 'something is most likely blocked', it would be enlightening to know where on the oil galley map a blockage might cause excessive pressure at the two places I have monitored: the front galley, and the top oil cooler block-off plate. Hmmm...

Thanks for the input!

I am not an engine or camshaft expert (expert = "someone called in at the last minute to share the blame"), and I am not providing any scientific facts or evidence, and I know we cannot believe everything we read on the internet, but I do have experience building high horse power engines for stock car racing. So.....can a camshaft be damaged by using the wrong oil for a short period of time? In my opinion and others in the engine building world, the answer is yes. The first 30 minutes of a camshaft's life are critical and it should have the correct mfg specified lubrication.

Terry
Sonex #1508
AeroVee #0736
http://www.mykitlog.com/SNX1508

[kmwoody]

I rebuilt my Aerovee at 200 hours. I had the adjustable oil pressure relief valve installed before the rebuild. After the rebuild, and before the first start, I figured I could put the stock plug back in. When I started the engine for the first time the pressure jumped to past 100 psi. I immediately shut the engine down. After head scratching trying to figure out where I screwed up I reinstalled the adjustable pressure relief valve. Oil pressure was right where it needed to be after that. I put 130 hours on the engine after that with cruise pressure between 40-45 psi until I sold it to purchase a CAMit.

[marvdavidson]

is it recommended?

[jwd3ca]

kmwoody (Ken?) Is this similar to what you have? Makes a lot of sense...

http://tinyurl.com/z43gllz

[kmwoody]

Yes, that is what the original owner had installed on the engine. He put it on to ease the adjusting of pressure between summer and winter instead of adding or removing washers.

Ken W
Sonex 959
Installing CAMit 3300

[jwd3ca]

Followup: I found a spring in my spring collection that is significantly 'softer' that the AeroVee-supplied spring. Gave it a try and voila. 45-50 psi oil pressure (instead of 100+). More research is needed here, but will treat this for now as a 'proof of concept''. To be continued...