Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Hill all
Not a worry just a thought, I have never had good oil pressure since I have built the engine a long time ago must be 30 years it is a 39 engine I fitted a triumph oil pump it has a good gasket to suit feed holes etc., but the OP has never been very high,
when I start it the pressure comes up to about 5-10 lbs then drop and then comes up again and then slowly drops back till it does not show on gauge again as it get warm I have checked the valve to the rockers which I have set but which ever way you turn it no change.
I run it on 40 or 50 oil depending on the time of year it has runs like this all it's life since I have built it I have changed the pump for a standard Ariel pump but it makes no difference.
I am not really bothered as I run it as it is on 140 mile trip several times a year there is no noises or anything like that, just wondered if there is any thing I am missing and I don't forget the extra washer on the case.
I checked the pump carefully and they seems to work fine when I fit which ever pump, and have checked the gauge and that is working fine any ideas.
Regards Clive.

If it ai'nt broke don't fix it!

Dead right Roger I just wondered if all pre war VH's are the same.

I don't connect the opg so I don't know, makes it much easier removing the tank. I believe Norton's called them 'worry gauges'.

My vb when warmed up runs at best 10 psi my 39 vg used to rund when warm at 5psi, singles just need oil going round.dont worry about the pressure
Dave

Doesn't the 39 engine still have an oil pressure regulator? Then you can increase the pressure seen on the gauge by screwing in the adjuster of the regulator. Of course, Roger and Dave are right. A higher reading at the pressure gauge will not improve the oil circulation - rather on the contrary.

Having high oil pressure just loads up the Pump which will reduce output, especially if your pump is worn. You need a bit to get it to the rockers but you can take that from the return line if you want to. Briefly release an acorn nut on a rocker shaft to check oil being available. Nev

You will never see much oil pressure on a roller bearing engine and they don't need it my NC is just the
same, look at strokes and how little oil they get by on.