I'm new to the forum and have a concern with a 96 Ultra with the 80 Evo. At an idle the oil pressure is only 2 to 4 psi and at 3000 rpm on the highway about 10 psi. The bike sat up for two years before I bought it. I immediately changed the oil with Penzoil 20w 50 and a new filter. This seems to be really low to me. Any advise or am I stressing ?

 

You are stressing it. HDs are more about flow than pressure, and gauges are notoriously inaccurate.

 

I kinda figured as much. I figured inaccurate gauge and was told the same about the flow Vs psi. I am getting some oil in the breather case but I've been told this is normal too. First Harley and I'm a worry wart. Lol

 

Is your oil light on?
If yes then you might have a problem.
If no then all is good.
As stated above EVO's are more about flow than pressure.

 

Shouldn't be getting some oil in the breather case. Remove about a cup (or two) of oil and you'll be fine. Run slightly off the full mark on the dip stick IMO.

 

Until I changed the two year old oil. Hasn't came on since. Just kinda freaked out when I read posts that said they had 30+ psi. All good. I'll stop worrying and ride !

 

Evo (roller bearIngs) oil pressure is a totally different thing than auto (shell bearIngs) oil pressure. Shell bearings need pressure to stay floated and avoid metal to metal contact. Roller bearings run under constant metal to metal contact. Totally different lubrication situations.

 

motorcycle oil is different then oil for your car - its closer to the oil in your lawn mower

it has zinc in it car oil does not - for the most aprt and the stuff that does is a spit

read up on it - like - Bob the oil guy - on line

 

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

 

My favourite Harley indy reckons oil pressure gauges cause more trouble than they're worth! Evo engines (in fact all big twins before and after) have mostly roller bearings, hence the low pressures, whereas most other vehicles, including Jap bikes, have plain bearings, which need high pressures to function. Relax man - all is fine with the World!