Oil pressure too high

[MartBlak]

My 1965 Ford 289 engine is running really nicely after such a long lay-off. The only potential concern is that the oil pressure is far too high. How is this managed? Is there a release spring somewhere I have to look at?
Many thanks. I need to get this fixed before the Le Mans Classic trip so any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[MartBlak]

OK, I have been in touch with Real Steel and they told me that the release spring is integral with the oil pump on a 289 and they only had one left. I went into Uxbridge to get it as the pressure is not at a level I feel comfortable with. I spoke with the chap who put the car together some 20 years ago and he said that he put a racing sump and oil cooler on as the oil temp was running too high before. At that time he fitted a high pressure/High volume oil pump. Then he couldn't get the engine up to proper operating temperature and ended up putting gaffer tape across the oil rad!
I have removed the oil cooler and it is possible that the pump he had is just too powerful for my set-up now.
For information, there are 3 types/levels of oil pump:
1. 68 - standard
2. 68A - High Pressure
3. 68HV - High volume/High Pressure

As I cannot work out what is likely to be the cause of the high pressure, (either a release spring issue or an over-strength pump) I have got a standard one and will look to replace it in the next few days.

[StewbieC]

You should never need a High pressure high volume oil pump in a non race 289.
I'd suggest you fit a stock oil pump.
I don't know why you would need an oil cooler either (noted that you took it out). My oil temp only rises when I've been sat in traffic on a roasting hot day and a cooler wouldn't help there either.

[MartBlak]

Thanks Stu. it is going to be a messy old job but I need to do it before setting off to Le Mans next Wednesday. Is there anything I should watch out for when installing a Standard oil pump? I am hoping it will just be the same fitting as the High vol/High pressure one I am taking out.

[clive]

I'm not sure about the Ford oil pump as I've never had to replace mine, but I am aware that the Rover pump requires priming before use.

[StewbieC]

As Clive says buy a priming tool too. If you bought from Real Steel they'd probably ask if you need one. Use a corded drill and it spins anti-clockwise. You remove the distributer to prime.

[KevinW]

The Rover V8 oil pump won't produce any oil pressure unless its packed with vaseline first.
My big block Ford V8 didn't seem to need this, no idea about a small block.

[MartBlak]

Real Steel didn't mention any priming requirement and I have not seen anything about this when watching YouTube videos on 289 oil pump replacement! I reckon the Ford small block doesn't need it....similar to your big block Kevin.
All the videos I have watched mention that a 289 should just have a standard oil pump and certainly not the high pressure/high volume ones.......unless you are going racing!
It looks very straightforward to change the oil pump as long as you can drop the sump without having to remove the engine.......as far as I can see I am OK in this regard. I will find out on Friday!!

[simonjrwinter]

Just make sure you spin the engine over with the plugs out before you try and start it. That should make sure the oil is pumped round

[MartBlak]

Thanks for the tip Simon.....I will remember to do this.