Low Oil Pressure

[Afriki]

Hi
I have a Volvo Penta 2003 which was installed in my Ericson 36 in 1986. I believe she had a bit of a rebuild in 2000 (not sure what was done) and I bought the boat in 2004 and have since put maybe 3000 hours on the engine as I have been sailing (and motor sailing!) around the world.
When I started out the oil pressure was around 45psi but seemed to drop down to around 30-35 soon after I left on the trip. That pretty much stayed the same until recently where, here in Greece, the engine will start up at around 30 but will fall to 15 after about 4-5 hours of running time - that worries me.
The oil level is fine. I change the oil every 75 hours of running time. I was using SAE 40 and I am now trying 20/50 - no change. The engine temp is normal and I can't see any performance changes. The guage seems to work alright and there is no diesel in the oil.
Does anyone have an opinion on what might be wrong? - Worn bearings? Oil pump? Is there a pressure relief valve on a Volvo penta 2003?
Thanks a lot for your thoughts, Ian

[svquest2]

I don't know the engine though I would suspect the oil pump. If you don't get a good answer here try this

Torresen Marine, Inc. - Sailing and Boating Forums • Index page

Good luck

Joe S

[Afriki]

Thanks.
I went to that site but didn't find anything - I am headed to Levkas, here in Greece where there is a Volvo dealer, hopefully someone can help there.
Ian