Flipping between projects... and got back to the getting the new race engine running.

Finally got the radiator to fit. (What a saga for a "simple" thing !)

And finally starting up today....
.... oil pressure pre start - no worries..
..... then ignition - worked a treat once got the distributor drive in the right way round (180 degrees out !)

Only done first run up for a few minutes before re-torquing head , re-setting tappets etc... ( allowed to warm up to water temp of 70C )
However oil pressure gauge was 100 psi + ( probably at end stop ) and didn't lower as temp came up.

Is this too be expected for a "first run" - or should I be looking at the oil pressure relief valve ?? (Engine builder recommended fitting an adjustable one anyway...)

(Obviously paranoid about getting it right and not damaging anything !)

if you used a standard spring and replaced the standard relief valve with a 9/16 steel ball (a good mod) yes it can go that high.
I cut 4mm off the spring, that gives me 70psi, hot.
I'd put a bit of 5/16" steel rod 40mm long inside the spring though, or it can flick the ball sideways when it lifts. Instant 20psi max....

But if you have a standard spring and valve, I'd say your gauge is way out.....

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks Doc..

Yep has ball bearing but not sure on spring history (though should be same as pre rebuild as far as I know..) .. will have a look tomorrow.

ps PM'd last week re Gearbox Mainshaft .. not sure if it got through ?

Cheers,
Ken.

Nope I just had a look, it didn't make it...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Just had a look - appears to be in my Outbox still ..
but my SentBox was 100% full...
have cleaned up a bit now....
hopefully that'll help (??) ....

Ken...have you tried another gauge/sender

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"Show me the Mini!"

I'd delete it and send again, or email me.
No unread messages in my inbox.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I agree it is probably a wonky gauge if the pump, relief spring are standard.

Making an adjustable relief valve is easy. Just drill and tap (1/4unf will do) the spring cap and screw in a bolt with a lock nut, a washer inside to allow the end of the bolt to compress the spring. To adjust the valve just screw the bolt in and lock it with the locknut, just increases the pressure on the spring.

Pete

100% accurate !

Pulled the spring out and compared to another - and yep normal unmodified spring.

Looking at lengths between standard release and ball bearing you can see the need to reduce length by 4mm.

Spring is pretty tough and yet to sucumb to being shortened....
.. but did find the "standard" valve that must have come out the car originally...
... so just tried that "to see" ...
.. and Oil Pressure now 75-80 mark cold....

So once spring shortened all should be sweet !

Thanks again!

Just cut the spring with a grinder, either bench or angle variety will do.
Then grind the end flat, but put that end of spring OUTWARDS against the hex plug.
You want the ball to sit in the nice original end.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.