Oil - pressure or paranoia?

[David124T]

Hi all, Finally got my 1990 300TE 24v through it's MOT yesterday. Went for a short drive last night (32 miles). I am not familiar with MB 6 cylinder engines and I was a bit concerned that the oil pressure dropped to just below 2 on the gauge at idle (600 rpm, engine at normal temp). This car has covered 95K whereas my E220 has done nearly 120K and the pressure has never been below just under the 3 digit on the gauge.
Should I be concerned or is this not a fair comparison?
Thanks
David

 

[Hibbo]

Perfectly normal mate. Once the engine's warm 1-1.5 bar is about right. As long as you're at 3+ when driving then everything is hunky-dory.

Happy motoring!

 

[David124T]

Thanks Hibbo. That's a relief (no pun intended). The oil and filter have been replaced but I intend to change them again next weekend once I've done about 100 miles or so. This is only because the car has been idle since the end of August without oil in it (it drained out of a split oil cooler). I was considering using a can of those engine flush products but I have never had any experience of using one before. Can anyone advise whether this is a good idea and if so, which one should I use?
Thanks
David

 

[Hibbo]

Opinion is divided on the subject of oil flushing. Some say you can cause more trouble than you'll save as sludge can be washed out of nooks and crannies into main galleries.

If you decide to do it then don't bother with any fancy products, just use the cheapest oil you can find and ULSD in a 50:50 ratio. Run the engine at a fast idle with that in it for half an hour then drain and refill with proper oil.

 

[type49]

As Hibbo said, oil pressure seems fine. Does it go up once on about 11-1400rpm? if so then this is normal. Regarding the oil, I would just do as you mentioned, a couple of oil changes as a flush seems safer than using a flushing agent.

 

[television]

Have to agree with Type 49, I saw somewhere that some firms use diesel + 10% oil as a flushing agent.

I was taught years ago that air lines should never be used for cleaning as it just forces particles into corners, same goes with flushing,if you cannot guarantee getting it clean,and you cant on an assembled engine,leave it alone.

Malcolm

 

[David124T]

Opinion is divided on the subject of oil flushing. Some say you can cause more trouble than you'll save as sludge can be washed out of nooks and crannies into main galleries.

If you decide to do it then don't bother with any fancy products, just use the cheapest oil you can find and ULSD in a 50:50 ratio. Run the engine at a fast idle with that in it for half an hour then drain and refill with proper oil.

Thanks to all for the advice. Hibbo, please excuse my ignorance, what is ULSD?
David

 

[premmington]

Can I take a quess??????????????

ULSD ultra low sulpher diesel?

 

[television]

Can I take a quess??????????????

ULSD ultra low sulpher diesel?

Thats the stuff that they mix with 10% oil to flush with. Thanks.

Malcolm

 

[Hibbo]

Aye, it's Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel.
An engine flush is the closest that stuff would get to any of my cars!

 

[television]

Aye, it's Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel.
An engine flush is the closest that stuff would get to any of my cars!

I hope when all of your reserch and design comes to fruit you will tell us all about it.
If you want any electronic components always ask, I may have the right thing.
Malcolm

 

[Bobthebuilder58]

I thought you were going to bed Malcolm??

Bob.

 

[television]

I thought you were going to bed Malcolm??

Bob.

I am sitting here with my night cap on,drinking Cocco, I will give you an answer on the pump in a couple of days.

Malcolm