QUESTION  Many owners are concerned about the low oil pressure in their Vintage Bentleys. Ray Terry, restorer at the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History in Rosanky, Texas (U.S.A), had a solution for low oil pressure when starting and idling 3-litre Bentleys. While restoring Dick Burdick's 3-Litre (Chassis No. 392) for the Great American Race in 1986. This car came in 1st Place after driving from coast-to-coast across the U. S. using Ray's oil pump installation.

The solution was to install an American Motors Rambler oil pump used on 1958-65 327 cubic inch V-8 engines from Ambassador models. This oil pump was a practical choice in 1986 because they were readily available, and it is one of the few that runs counter clockwise. Others which turn counter clockwise may be substituted. Ray is running it at crankshaft speed which provides plenty of pressure while idling and a quick rise to full pressure on starting the car.

Although this Bentley now has non-original external fittings and a modern oil filter for ease of filter replacement, a very original looking setup can be created using the original oil filter. A one-way valve should be used so that when the engine is not running the oil will not flow backward and leave the engine dry when it is time to restart it.

Surely Ray is not the first to perform this feat. I would like to hear from anyone with experience in oil pump installations.

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