Hi Guys,

Just fitting some gauges to the van - I now have an oil pressure gauge

Just wondering what figures an 1100 should run at. At idle it seems to be at 45psi and higher at revs moves up to the 60 mark.

I bought this engine used, and haven't really driven it yet (besides the driveway. So does this look ok?

Iwouldn't think there would be too much wrong with those figures ,depending on what condition the engine is in I E :how much work has it done, how long since it has had an oil change,what does the gauge read when the engine is at operating temperature?

They were the readings after five minutes or so of running. Figures didn't change much from cold.

History of the engine - was in a mini that had sat in a carpark for ages, a guy bought it and pulled the engine out, sold it to me. Started up first go for me and idles smooth. That's about all I know.

I replaced the oil awhile ago, but the engine would have only done an hour of short runs on this - soon to be on the road after being off for 8 years.

Five minutes isn't warmed up, at least for the oil anyway. The water might be warm, but the oil takes about 20 minutes to half an hour to reach 80 degrees. Once the oil is hot, then it will drop a little more.

Mind you, 60/45 PSI sounds fine. The oil pressure light (if fitted) won't come on until it's under 20 anyway. As the oil gets older the idle pressure will fall somewhat and when you see that you can guess it's about time to change it out again.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks Mick, that's what I like to hear.

Should be almost road worthy in a week or two, will take it up to the farm and give it a good test run before rego.

Give me a yell if you need a hand to get it there Tom , haven't got access to a trailer at the moment but i have the tow vehicle if you can get one .

_________________

By the way, you're not out of the woods yet with the engine if the oil pressure is good.
The rings are another matter altogether and have nothing to do with the resident oil pressure. Always a worry with a second hand engine...

Not to cause a hyperventilating panic attack, just something to think keep in mind once it does go.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks Ian, should be right, the guy next to dads has a car trailer I can more than likely use. Just knowing my luck if I drove it up and down the street a couple of times I'd get done.

Is there any guidelines that allow a test drive in prep for a blueslip, or would only mechanics have this luck?

In regards to the engine, I've had it running for ages, just not the car on the road ... I've given it a fair run and a few good hits in 1st / 2nd at my old place (8 months ago) and didn't look smokey etc.

Just wanted to know where they run (psi) and make sure I'm in the right ballpark before I get too excited about rego... getting closer now - next big issue = van rear seat.

im pretty sure that your allowed to drive it to the nearest blue slip mechanic. thats what i have been told

_________________
'73 clubby s "cryo" - sold
Operation Evil Sesame Street!

Not really as far as I am aware...once it is roadworthied, then it can be driven directly to the transport authority to be registered. But initially not to the mechanic as it could be a death trap (apparently) as far as other road users are concerned. ie the brakes aren't checked, neither are the indicators, lights, ball joints. not saying your car is dangerous, it's just how Mr Plod sees the situation.

However, what the rules are and what people do though are two different things altogether.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

That's what the RTA told me previously, make sure it's booked in and write a letter in advance for the cop stating who, what, where, when and why - I actually had to pull this letter out for a cop when taking a skyline for a blueslip, he was on a power trip till that point!

I more just want to test the brakes, clutch and ultimately the engine before booking it in, but a good run around the farm sounds the safest option.

well thats only what ive been told. but are nsw and vic laws different on this matter as a point of interest?

_________________
'73 clubby s "cryo" - sold
Operation Evil Sesame Street!

I'm pretty sure you are allowed to drive it to "repairers" whilst preparing it for a rego Inspection too. I seem to recall something about being able to drive for testing purposes as well.

I have always road tested my cars after doing repairs. I am a licensed Mechanic though (even though I'm not working a such any more) and can provide my card if requested. You may get away with it using point 3 below.

Just looked it up on the RTA NSW web site which states:
Unregistered vehicles can be driven for the purpose of obtaining registration by the most direct or convenient route.:
1. to the nearest convenient motor registry, or
2. to the nearest convenient vehicle inspection station or authorised inspection station to determine whether the vehicle complies with the applicable vehicle standards, or
3. in the course of inspecting or testing the vehicle to determine if it complies with the applicable vehicle standards, or
4. to the nearest practicable weighbridge to determine the weight of the vehicle, or
5. from a motor registry or inspection station where the registration of the vehicle has been refused, to the nearest convenient place where necessary repairs can be made or where the vehicle can be garaged,
unless a direction has been issued that the vehicle must not be driven before the necessary repairs have been made, or
6. from an authorised inspection station to the nearest convenient place where necessary repairs or adjustments can be made or where the vehicle can be garaged, or
7. to the nearest convenient office of a licensed insurer for the purpose of obtaining Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, or
8. to the nearest convenient location for any other purpose directly associated with the registration process.

That's pretty handy to know, I've always felt so guilty when driving my car to a roadworthy.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.