I am running a vauxhall xe engine that has a problem building oil pressure after its been left for more than a day, and was wondering if anyone else had experienced the same problem.

With the coil pack disconnected it wont build any oil pressure by just turning the engine over on the starter. as the oil pump is on the front of these engines i can remove a bung in the side, squirt in some engine oil (as if to prime the pump) and replace the bung. the engine now builds pressure when turned over allowing me to start the engine. it will now hold its pressure for a few hours allowing me to use it normally.

has anyone else experienced this problem or know of a cure? any help would be appreciated.

hi, check that you have the correct oil filter, i had this on a vauxhall once, halfords gave me wrong filter....sounds like you need the one with non return valve incorporated into filter

Theres a pressure regulating valve behind a 26mm (?) nut on the exhaust side of the oil pump. Note this is not the oil filter side where there is a similar one. This has a spring then a metal valve which slides up and down, these are prone to sticking.

It works basically the same as a pea in a recorder, the higher the pressure the further the pea gets pushed up the recorder, opening more holes and therefore allowing more oil back into the sump reducing the circulating pressure.

If the valve sticks when its in the more open position then it'll be sending all the oil back to the sump rather than round the engine. You adding some oil in front of it possibly freeing it off so it then drops forwards into its more (oil return) restrictive position.

SBD do a nylon version of this valve, but if you remove the one you have and clean it up with some fine emery cloth it may help.

Note this picture is from the "inside" so oil filter is on the right when it should be on the left.


SBD Oil Pump

[Edited on 3/2/09 by the_fbi]

Aswell as checking the oil pressure relief valve check the inside of the oil pump where the relief valve is housed
This can score aswell

You'll need to 'hook out' the relief valve with a cut-off Allen key or similar as they can be tight

Have seen this problem before and the Lad ended up fitting a new pump
Hopefully yours won't be as bad and will just be the Valve

[Edited on 3/2/09 by perksy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have fitted a remote oil filter and oil cooler so dont think it would be a filter problem. I have also tried changing the piston in the relief valve but it made no difference. has anyone used the plastic one fron SDB? woud be interested to know if they work before spending out.

If you've fitted a remote filter double check you've got the in and the out the correct way around.

Oil filters generally have a rubber flap inside the holes on the "strainer" which prevents oil flowing out that way, if you've got your in and out back to front you'll just be pushing that flap against the metal and sealing it tight so no oil gets passed.

i think theres a big arrow on it showing the direction but will double check tomorrow.

Worth having a read of this Thread here:

http://boardroom.wscc.co.uk/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=3;t=62555;st=0



Hope that Helps

[Edited on 3/2/09 by perksy]

[Edited on 3/2/09 by perksy]

cheers Perksy, a very interesting read. it would appear to be a common problem with this engine then. looks like i'll have to buy a plastic piston and give that a go.