89 Ultra Oil pressure
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
89 Ultra Oil pressure
Hello all, first post and a new to me 89 Ultra.
History of the bike is unknown, I bought it at an estate sale, non running with 53k on it, carb kit, battery and fuel and she's up and running, Idle set to 1-1.1k RPM.
I understand EVO engines run on the low side for oil pressure and that flow is very important to these engines, more so than pressure
Guage on the fairing shows 25-30 psi cold start, SAE 50w. 90 degree ambient temperature, Same conditions, but HOT/Normal operating temps the guage shows 5 psi Idle, 10-12 at 2500 RPM.
The issue is that the dummy light on the dash is on at idle, barely touch the throttle or raise the RPM to 1200-1300 and it goes off.
I was was under the impression that the dummy light is merely a 2-3psi switch, if the guage on the dash reads 5 psi, it shouldn't be on in theory.
I have not not checked it with a mechanical guage, I hear a little tapping when hot, but it doesn't sound any different than my 1200 sportster.
This oil sender is a two wire sensor, And it's worth noting that the top portion of the sensor (chrome part) has wrench marks and is wiggly.
Any ideas?, guage wrong and light right?, or possibly a bad sender?, makes no difference when I wiggle the sensor.
History of the bike is unknown, I bought it at an estate sale, non running with 53k on it, carb kit, battery and fuel and she's up and running, Idle set to 1-1.1k RPM.
I understand EVO engines run on the low side for oil pressure and that flow is very important to these engines, more so than pressure
Guage on the fairing shows 25-30 psi cold start, SAE 50w. 90 degree ambient temperature, Same conditions, but HOT/Normal operating temps the guage shows 5 psi Idle, 10-12 at 2500 RPM.
The issue is that the dummy light on the dash is on at idle, barely touch the throttle or raise the RPM to 1200-1300 and it goes off.
I was was under the impression that the dummy light is merely a 2-3psi switch, if the guage on the dash reads 5 psi, it shouldn't be on in theory.
I have not not checked it with a mechanical guage, I hear a little tapping when hot, but it doesn't sound any different than my 1200 sportster.
This oil sender is a two wire sensor, And it's worth noting that the top portion of the sensor (chrome part) has wrench marks and is wiggly.
Any ideas?, guage wrong and light right?, or possibly a bad sender?, makes no difference when I wiggle the sensor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,137
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
What brand oil are you using?
How old is the oil?
How much fuel contam is in the oil?
Oil pump pressure relief valve stuck?
Oil pickup screen (as someone already noted.)
How old is the oil?
How much fuel contam is in the oil?
Oil pump pressure relief valve stuck?
Oil pickup screen (as someone already noted.)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,114
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
If the lifters are not clattering, the oil pressure is high enough.
Raise the idle speed, if that doesn`t eliminate the light at idle, I suggest you replace the sending unit.
Raise the idle speed, if that doesn`t eliminate the light at idle, I suggest you replace the sending unit.
Trending Topics
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stage I
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Elmira NY
2001 ultra classic oil light on and no pressure on gauge
Hello everyone I am new here this is my first post I was wondering if the oil pressure switch is a common problem and if that is my problem,I was riding it the there night all gauges looked good when I got home but when I went to start it the next morning and there was no oil light with ign in and when I started it the light came on and I had zero pressure on gauge,I have a new switch ordered and I am hoping that's the problem any info will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance and ride safe hi to hi