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Is it time for a new engine?

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Old Mar 11, 2026 | 06:30 PM
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Default Is it time for a new engine?

Back in September I had the oil pump, cams, chain tensioner guides, lifters, and pushrods replaced because my oil pump took a **** (0 oil pressure and bearings were shot). Because the weather in Ohio wasn't the greatest when I picked it up, I was only able to put 200 miles. Now, this past weekend was beautiful so I decided to fire up the Road King (05 FLHRSI for context), oil light was on and the top end is tapping. Mechanical guage shows 0 psi. She's back at the shop that did the work and I'm being told the pump is in good shape and the o-rings are fine. Any idea what might be wrong?
05 Road king FLHRSI 88CI w/62k miles.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2026 | 10:47 PM
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Did they disassemble and check the pressure relief valve? Sounds like they didn't clean the oil pan.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2026 | 05:15 AM
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Axtel makes a better oil pressure relief valve that bypasses into the sump and prevents the pump from cavitating which will cost oil pressure.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2026 | 06:19 AM
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Max- The shop did do an oil change but not sure about the pressure relief valve.

Slingshot- I'll look into that.

I should add that the cam plate was not changed and I installed Andrews cams (don't remember which ones).
 

Last edited by Peanuthead; Mar 12, 2026 at 06:45 AM.
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Old Mar 12, 2026 | 07:53 AM
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What caused the initial oil pump failure, was it the cam chain tensioner?
 
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Old Mar 12, 2026 | 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Dan89FLSTC
What caused the initial oil pump failure, was it the cam chain tensioner?
Yes, they had deep grooves in them.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2026 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Peanuthead
Yes, they had deep grooves in them.
Was any tensioner debris released into the engine?
 
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Old Mar 12, 2026 | 12:22 PM
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From what I remember, there was not. The more I'm looking around for possible causes, I think the pressure relief valve might be stuck open.
 

Last edited by Peanuthead; Mar 12, 2026 at 12:26 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2026 | 04:24 PM
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So here's an update for everyone. Shop opened her back up, inspected everything and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. No scars or burns, no missing or chewed up o-rings, not even one bit of forbidden glitter. They swapped the oil pump with a replacement (another Drag Specialties). Yay warranties! And a few hours ago I was told everything is fixed. Running great with plenty of oil pressure. So here's hoping i get more than 150 miles outta this pump lol.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2026 | 05:29 PM
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Thanks for the follow up.
 
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