over on the bitog site I posted my cold flow observations
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/...c;f=1;t=012998

the 20F flow (almost 3 minutes before oil gushing from the #2 lifter) seems very slow to me. am thinking this is a VQ30 thing.

for those in cold climates - please take a minute next time you cold start (engine off >8 hours in freezing weather) to time how long it takes your #2 lifter to full flow. just start the engine cold and let it idle. take off the oil filler cap, look inside, and wait for oil to come gushing from the lifter. time it on your watch or count mentally. post your results.

note: the lifter will look oily when you first start - this is not flowing. if you wait a minute you'll see it gush oil like an oil well.

note 2: if you don't let your car sit cold for a really long time (at least overnight), it will flow much faster than 3 minutes.

this is either a VQ30 thing, or I have a weak oil pump. would like to know either way.

 

With the cold, viscous oil you will have low flow. The system is pressure regulated. I'm quite sure that there is nothing wrong with the oil pump. It's driven by the snout of the crankshaft and is bullet proof. The oil that is visible through the oil filler has had to get through oil galleries and tight clearances. If your low oil pressure light is out and you have no other issues, ie. noises or the visible cam lobe contact surface and/or the lifter shim is scored, then you have nothing to worry about.

 

I'm sure you're right - in fact I know you are. I'd just like to see some other people's flow data to back up mine.

anyone? it only takes a minute to do. also post your oil type and the temp so I can calculate cSt.