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Hi BA I would agree with you comments about oil pressure but remember anno domini. The oil pressure quoted in the workshop manual for an engine at about 1000hrs is: 40 to 50 psi for a Mk1 FMD running at operating temp 180F using new 30w oil. The engine revs should be 1500 rpm approx.which was nearly flat out as the engine was rated at a MGS of 1700 rpm This engine was produced until 1954 and had the PRV in the timeing cover. From 1954 to the end of the Super Major range the PRV was mounted in the pump. The oil pressure was dropped to between 30 to 40psi again with the engine at about 1000 hrs and running at 1500 rpm, operating temp as above but using multigrade engine oil. In 1958 when the Power Major was introduced the oil pressure guage was replaced by a warning lamp. The switch that operated this lamp was set at 12 to 15 psi. When the engines were about 2000 hrs old we encounted service problems with them because customers were complaining that the oil pressure lamp was on at all revs below 1000rpm when the engine was hot. Fords cure for the problem was to fit a 7 psi switch which we fitted when ever these problems occured and all was well. When in work, these engines were running at between 20 and 30 psi at 1500rpm.The pressure was of course lower at lower engine speeds. This is documented by Fords in their service letter to dealers dated January 1963 covering engines fron 1954 onwards and service training notes taken at the time. Our customers were running engines to over 10000hrs before overhaul with no problems. Our main reason for overhauling engines was never oil pressure problems but corrosion of the block at the liner seals and water getting into the sump. My own Major which I have had since 1974 is a September 1952 build. She runs at between 10 and 20psi and has done since I first brought her home.I use a 20/50 multigrade all year round but in England we do not get the extreems of temperature that you get in the US. Regards Brian
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