I finished rebuilding my Vortech S/C with new GMN Peek cage bearings. My oil temp was running high 260 or so, which could be the problem for my multiple failures. So, while installing the S/C I decided to add an oil cooler.

I installed an Earls 25 Row Oil Cooler. I had a problem with the sandwich plate adapter (flex-a-lite) where my stock filter was too small so I installed a bigger filter (mobil 107). My pressure at idle looks like it's only around 5 PSI. I would normally see about 15-20 PSI at idle. Cruising speed I see maybe 15 PSI max.

Could the larger filter cause low pressure? I also switched to Rotella 5w-40 synthetic oil from mobil 0w-40.

Good news is oil temp is down 40 degrees.

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

That doesn't sound good and I wouldn't run the motor too long with that kind of oil pressure. Are you sure the oil level is full? I would be worried about some kind of restriction in the oil cooler or the lines - not sure how that could cause it if you have no leaks. I would change your oil filter just in case the one you put in is defective.

Why did you purchase an oil sandwich adapter that was the wrong size? It should be 20 mm threads. If it screwed on the one side, it should work with the standard filter size. Hmmm that doesn't sound too good either. Go get the right parts on there - purchase a Mocal. I tried a generic brand and it almost ruined my motor - long story - just trust me and buy the Mocal.

 

How many 90 degree fittings and what size oil line...like #10???. Make sure no links too.

 

yeah there is no reason for low oil pressure other than a leak or low level

I have a larger filter due to the same reason and a huge oil cooler and no issues with oil pressure

 

Oil level looked good. No kinks in the lines - 4 90 degree connectors 10 AN connectors/hose. The sandwich plate has 3/8 to 10 AN fittings.

Sorta agree with you rcdash I'm thinking about purchasing the mocal today. Ugh it's always something.

the sandwich adapter is a 20mm. I purchased everything from summit and that was the 20mm plate they had.

 

for clarification the stock oil filter screwed onto the adapter, but the gasket/seal did not have a large enough diameter to completely seal the filter. The new filter has the same thread size, but a slightly larger diameter and length.

 

I had the same issue with the oil cooler kit I bought; the the stock oil filter was too small...I bit the bullet and bought a new sandwich that will fit the stock filter, but the new sandwich dosen't have a thermostat...

It's good to know a bigger filter size will work...I'll keep that in mind if I feel need I need the themostatic function on my oil cooler...

 

I would just take the whole thing off and see if oil pressure returns. Then put on the sandwich adapter with no cooler. Then plumb in the cooler. That way you can see what is causing the problem. I would still highly recommend the thermostatic Mocal.

 

rcdash...he would have to have a loop line of some kind or no oil flow would
take place...one line from adapter out (which would normally go to cooler) and
the same line back into the adapter..(in from where normally returns from cooler).

Am I correct?

 

I checked the oil again and it was low. WTF? Maybe I didn't give it enough time to drain back last time I checked.

Anyway I added a quart or so and all is good. 30 Idle 60 cruise, just taking it easy right now.

Thanks for your help and thoughts everybody!!!

 

yeah the vq needs at least 20 minutes to check level properly