[Buick] How to check oil pressure relief valve spring length

[azzfox]

Heres a run down on how to check the oil pressure relief valve spring length on your VN-VR Buick V6. This is responsible for maintaining the maximum specified oil pressure. As years go by these springs can get weak, causing oil pressure to drop, which isnt a good thing.

Without installing a gauge, I had a fair idea that I had adequate oil pressure because I can safely take it throughout the rev range with no hesitation. Unlike some V6's like our VP wagon where you can hear big end knock at 4000rpm .

Weve all heard the expression "rod out the block", so heres one way to help prevent that.

1. Remove oil filter and disconnect oil pressure switch wiring.

2. Locate and remove the 4 bolts attaching the oil filter adapter to the timing cover. 1/2" socket from memory. Prepare for some spillage!

3. Remove filter adapter. It should come away with ease with minor spring force behind it. Be careful not to tear the gasket if planning to reuse it.



4. Simply remove the valve and spring from the timing cover.



5. Measure the spring free length from end to end. The minimum specified length for VN is 64.8mm and VP 66.3mm. Mine came in at a healthy 65mm.



6. Re-assemble. All parts should be cleaned with a solvent and dried with compressed air, but I diddnt have either, so a clean rag it was.

7. Reinsert spring and valve back into the timing cover and check for smoothness.

8. Hold the filter adapter against the timing cover and lightly tighten bolts. One bolt is longer which is the one located on the filter base.

9. Once all bolts are snug and filter adapter is square against the timing cover, tighten bolts to 35 Nm (26 lb/ft).

10. Reinstall filter and job done!

[6cylpwr]

hmm...im definatly checking this on my two v6s now...one of them seems to have the pressure warning light coming on and off. never thought this could be the reason why. thanks for the write up

[FXST01]

I checked my Gregorys for the VP and states spring free length is 66.3 mm

[azzfox]

I checked my Gregorys for the VP and states spring free length is 66.3 mm

Hmm my VP Gregorys also says 66.3mm, and my VN Gregorys 64.8mm. Thanks for bringing that up.

[sik_dose]

I need to buy a new gasket for mine. what would i call this part so they can identify the gasket at the shop?

[azzfox]

Oil filter adapter gasket

[sik_dose]

Oil filter adapter gasket

I went to repco to buy one and there isnt a listing for oil filter adapter gasket in the ACL book. could the gasket be called something else?

[Pub247]

oil pump gasket would be what i call it

[Zeussy]

So, if you increase the oil pressure is that likely to have any negative side effects..?

[sik_dose]

So, if you increase the oil pressure is that likely to have any negative side effects..?

oil pressure can be increased up to 340kPa, minimum at 1850 rpm (opperating temp) is 275kPa, oil pressure switch contact pressure is 41Kpa. intresting question so i went and found an answer. If you increased oil pressure above 340kPa i think a gasket may fail somewhere.

[immortality]

if you own a s1 VN i'd recommend upgrading to the VP spring at the very least. for the early VN max oil pressure was 40psi these early models have a tendency spin big end bearings and throw rods (especially the rear ones). i wonder why. the later model VN's/VP etc have 50psi max.

for those that a really serious about out pressure and like to rev the engine i'd recommend upgrading to the ecotec spring. this is what i have. i have about 60psi oil pressure at idle and 75psi at about 2000rpm when hot. i run a 15w-40 oil.

anybody doing a turbo conversion should also fit a ecotec oil pressure spring. you ask why? simple really. the turbo is going to consume a quantity of oil that would otherwise have gone into the engine, if your engine has only average oil pressure before a turbo conversion it's gonna suffer from even less oil pressure where it matters

So, if you increase the oil pressure is that likely to have any negative side effects..?

it takes power to drive a oil pump, so more oil pressure = more parasitic loss. in short the engine absorbs more power to drive the oil pump so less power to drive the rear wheels. oil pressure = insurance in my book

[Zeussy]

......for those that a really serious about out pressure and like to rev the engine i'd recommend upgrading to the ecotec spring. this is what i have. i have about 60psi oil pressure at idle and 75psi at about 2000rpm when hot. i run a 15w-40 oil.....

.....it takes power to drive a oil pump, so more oil pressure = more parasitic loss. in short the engine absorbs more power to drive the oil pump so less power to drive the rear wheels. oil pressure = insurance in my book

For me its a VP, 247,XXXkms. (the doner engine for the VH)
Eventually the plans are to do some head work, tune and maybe a cam.

Like you, I have the opinion that a little extra power drain to make sure its enough is well worth it - considering the VH is a couple of hundred kilo's lighter than the VP, it shouldn't really be a noticable power drop!

So the Ecotec spring it is... Is that something you can get new, for a resonable price?
I was originally thinking (with a gauge plumbed in) just make up a spacer and test it til I got the right pressure - but sourcing a new spring seems like less chances for something to go wrong!

[immortality]

should be able to get em from holden i'd imagine. i got mine from another member on this forum

[Zeussy]

Sweet as, I'll keep my eye open!

Cheers for the info,


EDIT: Was going to give you some Rep. for the help, but apparently I have to "spread some around" before giving you some? lol, why, if you help out it shouldn't matter if I've given any one else Rep. or not?? lol,

[delcowizzid]

should be able to get em from holden i'd imagine. i got mine from another member on this forum

who was it im keen as for a replacement for the wagon hook us a PM or go on messenger.oh yeah i have those chips too i might try burn one tonight and let you know if they work

[sik_dose]

i got the gasket for the oil filter adaptor plate today form holden parts for $1.25 put it in and it made no difference so im gonna try again tomorow. the book says 40Nm not 35Nm as it says in the how to.

[azzfox]

i got the gasket for the oil filter adaptor plate today form holden parts for $1.25 put it in and it made no difference so im gonna try again tomorow. the book says 40Nm not 35Nm as it says in the how to.

My VN manual says 40 Nm, then for 1991 models 35 Nm, and my VP manual 23-35 Nm. Who cares. Pick a number, wont make any difference. As long as it doesnt leak youre good.

Immortality thats very good info. Im wrecking a VP soon so Ill be sure to grab the sping! Then maybe an ecotec spring when I can be arsed.

[Trikky]

yeah I know a bit of a thread dig but does anyone know what the length of an ecotec oil relief spring should be?