I recently changed the engine oil and filter in my Westerbeke diesel. I gave it the usual (and specified) 4.5 quarts of SAE 30, specifically Chevron DELO.
Now when it starts up it reads 80 psi of pressure (it might be more -- that's the maximum value on the gauge) instead of the expected 15 to 50 (idling to fully loaded -- it usually sits at 40). Oil level is correct according to the dip stick.
The order of the components in the lubrication system are:
- Sump
- Screen
- Pump
- Fuel pump drive gear
- Release valve
- Crankcase gallery
- Filter
- Pressure gauge and sender
- Oil cooler
- Main gallery
- Bearings and cylinder bores
- Cylinder head and rockers
- Return
I thought for a moment that the new filter might be bad, but given that the pressure gauge is downstream of it I don't think that could be the problem.
I have never encountered this problem before. Ideas on what might be causing this and how to troubleshoot it? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!