Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 10/2005 120-130 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

It's hot here in Florida, yesterday 95F (feels like 102F).
On my 1967 Volvo 122S B18 Eng., last oil&filter change used 15W/40 oil

Yesterday, driving along at 60-65mph; air-cond. on
RPM; 2500
Eng.coolant temp. 180-185f
Oil pres. 28 - 30psi
Oil Temp. 210f
But, when coming to a stop at a stop light, oil pressure drops to 0/zero, oil pressure light comes on, unless I raise idle RPM or turn off the A/C.
Is this normal ?
Is my oil pump going bad ?
Would a straight weight heavier oil such a a 50w help ?
Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

    Most likely cause is one of the oil pump O-rings has partially blown out. Keep the revs up to atleast 10psi and fix it very soon. Left alone, the eventual outcome will be a spun big end bearing.

    I use a regular O-ring behind the square section O-ring to reduce or prevent this problem.








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

      After connecting a mechanical oil pressure gauge still same readings, barely 30psi on start up with a cold engine. Will now look for a shop that can possibly lower the front cross member 4-5inches so that the oil pan can be removed and oil pump and seals can be replaced without pulling the engine.








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

        I've done that with car ramps, multiple jacks, etc, and wish I would have just yanked it out the top the first time. You are going to want to look at the big ends too see how much damage has happened also.








        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

          Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

          I agree.

          It's a bit more work to get the engine out, but once you have it on an engine stand you will appreciate the extra effort by the ease by which you can work on the engine.

          Laying on your back under the car and having oil dripping on you is your choice.
          --
          Eric
          Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
          Torrance, CA 90502
          hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com








        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

          Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

          I agree.

          It's a bit more work to get the engine out, but once you have it on an engine stand you will appreciate the extra effort by the ease by which you can work on the engine.

          Laying on your back under the car and having oil dripping on you is your choice.
          --
          Eric
          Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
          Torrance, CA 90502
          hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

    No, that isn't normal.

    15W/40 should be fine, just make sure you're getting enough ZDDP to protect the cam and lifters.

    There are numerous reasons for low to no oil pressure.

    It could be as simple as bad oil pump seals as I won't use ANY of the aftermarket seals, only Volvo original oil pump seals.

    Or it could be the oil pump, or badly worn bearings.
    --
    Eric
    Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
    Torrance, CA 90502
    hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

      Thanks Eric, Engine was freshened up about 45,000miles / 24 years ago with honing of cylinders, new rings, bearings, valve job with hardened seats. Recent compression check showed 160-165psi across all cylinders. So I assume that I need a new oil pump and seals, or maybe for an upgrade to a B20.








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

        Maybe before going deeper check the accuracy of your sender and gauge at low psi.








        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

          Oil Pressure for a B18 120-130

          Use a good 20/50 like most B18/20 owners. Yes something with high zinc helps. Dino oil loses its ability to maintain viscosity at high temperatures surprisingly quickly. By about halfway to the 3K oil change it has started to drop noticeably. Makes it hard for it to cope with your current Florida temps.







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.