C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Oil Pump - too much pressure?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-30-2002, 01:14 PM
  #1  
kaiserbud
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
kaiserbud's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2001
Location: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Posts: 2,602
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Oil Pump - too much pressure?

I took my car to the shop to replace the oil pan. Its a 427/435 and the pan was pretty beat up. Anyway - while inside the motor, the shop identified that the pump was partially plugged. (See pic - gives credibility to being careful when applying sealant). Although the pressure would go way up when in race mode (60++), the idle pressure was low (5-15).

I previously had pump # 390 6629 88 GM 22 (can anyone identify?) :confused: and was happy with it. It gave fair pressure at normal operating and volume/pressure went up appropriately with high RPM's.

For years, I have always been a supporter of high volume over high pressure. The shop said they would put in an equal pump and installed M77HV (can anyone identify this one?) :confused: At idle it has 70 psi ! :eek: I am sure the volume is there, but isn't this overkill at idle? Granted, the hot Houston summers will thin the oil and pressure will drop. Any thoughts?

Thanks, kaiserbud



[Modified by kaiserbud, 11:23 AM 3/30/2002]
Old 03-30-2002, 01:23 PM
  #2  
Scott78
Drifting
 
Scott78's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Oil Pump - too much pressure? (kaiserbud)

The 77HV is a Melling High Volume pump for big block that'll come with 2 springs and a 3/4 inch pick-up tube inlet. A colored High pressure spring and a "regular" pressure spring. I'm not sure what the PSI difference is between the two spring are. I like Melling pumps I've used several never a problem. I have the 55HV (smallblock) with high pressure spring in, with Mobil Synthetic 5W-30 I have 80 PSI cold and 40 PSI hot at idle and 60 PSI hot at cruise. Hope that helps.
Scott


[Modified by Scott78, 11:23 AM 3/30/2002]
Old 03-30-2002, 01:26 PM
  #3  
zwede
Race Director
 
zwede's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 1999
Location: Plano TX
Posts: 11,301
Received 333 Likes on 255 Posts

Default Re: Oil Pump - too much pressure? (kaiserbud)

I don't like HV pumps on big blocks. As you can see, idle pressure is way up there. I had the same pump and buried the needle over 1500 rpm, even when hot. I feel the high pressure promotes leaks and increases stress on the distributor gear.

I switched to the regular melling pump (same PN, but no HV at the end). I used the corvette spring that it came with. I now have 35 PSI hot idle and 60 at high rpm.
Old 03-30-2002, 03:11 PM
  #4  
kaiserbud
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
kaiserbud's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2001
Location: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Posts: 2,602
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Re: Oil Pump - too much pressure? (zwede)

Markus - Scott

Appreciate the info. I still would like to figure the old part number info. I have to agree with Markus regarding high pressure - I think the HV (High Volume) is very appropriate for a big block - moreso in the heat of Houston. I may pull it out again and look. I wasn't happy with the work this shop did in many aspects. Future posts will discuss other issues.

Can anybody adivise the old ol piump specs?

Thanks Markus and Scott

Get notified of new replies

To Oil Pump - too much pressure?




Quick Reply: Oil Pump - too much pressure?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:30 AM.