2T/3T oil pressure / oil pump

[jb_22]

I'm sure many other 2T/3T owners can second this:

On startup, my 3T has low oil pressure and the engine rattles accordingly for 5-10 seconds until the oil pressure warning light goes out. I've always put it down to the OEM oil pump taking a while to build oil pressure up through the head, however, I've noticed recently that the engine is taking longer to build up pressure upon starting (no, it's not because of lower oil). I've never had a problem with the low pressure light illuminating while driving - it has only been a startup issue.

The engine in question is a 3T with a 32/36 weber and extractors - otherwise standard. Probably with a rebuild sometime in its life but I'm unsure when as I haven't pulled it down. Used as a daily driver given the occasional spirited run I've put about 17k on the engine since owning it and have done nothing to it other than regularly change oil + filter, and have had no problems whatsoever either - not even an oil leak. Touch wood!

The engine runs 20W-70 Penrite oil and the oil is reasonably clean with about 2k since the last change. When the engine is warm the dipstick reads about 3mm above the full mark. I don't have a oil pressure gauge to measure the oil pressure accurately while the engine is revving.

• Is the low oil pressure on startup likely to damage my engine and/or be the symptom of a more serious problem?

• Have any other 2T/3T owners have modified their oil system to increase the oil pressure?

• Does a freshly rebuilt 2T behave the same way i.e. is this the way Toyota designed the *T engines to run?

• Is there a interchangeable oil pump from another engine that is an upgrade? 3TGTE?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, it just makes me uneasy to hear the engine rattling around the way it does, even if it is only the first few seconds of running it.

Also, after searching on these forums, I found that larger clearance (read: worn) bearings can reduce oil pressure - I'm assuming this could be one reason the oil pressure is taking longer to build up. Is this likely to lead to more serious issues (spun bearing ) in the near future?

Cheers, JB

[SilverRA23]

Start with the oil filter. What brand filter are you using?

Toyota engines generally are susceptible to low oil pressure on start up if the oil filter doesn't have an anti-drain back valve in it.

Genuine Toyota, and I think Ryco, both have that. I would start by fitting one of those and see how you go.

Otherwise yup, you could have bigger issues to explore

[SilverRA23]

Oh and one more thing, maybe try some of the Penrite HPR30 if your engine is a bit tired.

[Billzilla]

Start with the oil filter. What brand filter are you using?

Toyota engines generally are susceptible to low oil pressure on start up if the oil filter doesn't have an anti-drain back valve in it.

Genuine Toyota, and I think Ryco, both have that. I would start by fitting one of those and see how you go.

+1
There's ya problem!

[Grega]

i had a 202 years ago used to do this. ryco oil filter
changed to a smaller holden original v8 one - no more problem
recommend original toyota filter as per whats been written

[Grega]

double post..

[jb_22]

Ah cheers guys! That could well be the issue! I've got a Ryco filter from SuperCheap that may not have an anti-drain back valve in it... Next oil change I'll source a genuine Toyota one and see if it improves.

Cheers, JB

[Billzilla]

Ah cheers guys! That could well be the issue! I've got a Ryco filter from SuperCheap that may not have an anti-drain back valve in it... Next oil change I'll source a genuine Toyota one and see if it improves.

Cheers, JB

For sure!
I can't understand why anyone that owns an ........ engine .... wouldn't use a Toyota oil filter where possible. They work better than just about any other paper filter and are pretty cheap. I use 1UZ filters on the race car, they're pretty big and only $22 each.

[The Green Terror]

Hey mate,

As a proud 2T owner, I had the same thing for years. Finally had someone clue me in on using genuine oil filters and hey presto, problem solved. Go to the local toyota dealer and ask for a D2 oil filter. Get two while you're there.

[RA35GT]

I buy my filters 10 at a time from toyota, only like 13-14 ea then.