Thanks, Ian and Charles.

I think that I can rule out the gasket, which definitely had enough holes. The dribble of oil would seem to confirm this.

The vanes COULD be the wrong way up. I was interrupted just as I was about to insert them last Saturday and I may have lost track of what I was doing. I'd have thought that even if they are incorrectly fitted there'd be a bit more pressure with a cold engine...........or maybe not?

I was hoping that someone might suggest the pressure relief valve! During the same interruption I mislaid my carefully-cleaned ball and spring and quickly grabbed a set from another junk engine. By then, I was in a hurry and may well not have checked and cleaned them very thoroughly. I think that's where I'll start.

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E" not a "T".

Similar issue recently turned out to be an early rear camshaft bearing in a late crankcase - all pressure lost past the 1/8" gap...

Engine had run like that for many years apparently.

Thanks, Ruairidh. I think I'm probably OK on that one. Presumably there's a different part number. Where would the 1/8" gap be?

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E" not a "T".

The difference is the external diameter of the bush, a hard one to spot if installed as the outwardly they are identical.

Another recent problem was the oil gallery behind the pressure relief valve totally blocked with gunge.

Only worth considering the above if you are certain the pressure relief ball is seated correctly and pump vanes installed corrrectly.

Thanks, Ruairidh.

I should be OK on the rear camshaft bearing. That came out of a '34 engine (with some difficulty) and was a nice snug fit going into the current crankcase.

The crankcase had been pretty thoroughly cleaned and all of the oil passages appeared to be clear.

As soon as customers permit, I'll take a look at the relief valve. Hopefully, that'll be where the problem lies. I certainly hope so, as the sump is now well sealed to the crankcase and completely leak free. I really don't want to have to take it off again!

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E" not a "T".

The gauge is ok?

I have never had an air bubble in the pipe to the gauge but I suppose it could happen....

Simon

Location: On a hill in Wiltshire

Thanks, Simon. The gauge is an unknown. I'd primed the gallery and the gauge pipe with oil before starting the engine to minimise the risk of air locks. Because I wasn't getting a reading, I disconnected the pipe at the engine, and almost nothing came out, so it definitely looks like a lack of circulation.

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E" not a "T".

We have oil pressure!

I checked the relief valve, but no joy there.

Off with the sump and the oil pump base and was greeted with the sight of a lovely pair of chamfered vanes. Bugger. Turned them round, put the whole lot together and immediately clocked at least 10psi.

What an idiot.

The interruption that led to this cock-up was a scam phone call from some overseas crook improbably calling himself "William". I am happy to say that I was quite spectacularly rude to him.

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E" not a "T".

Well done Martin, I suppose it warrants a trip to the pub for a well earned pint.