Oil Pressure Concern
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Oil Pressure Concern
Bike: 2003 Night Train, Carbureted w/Mikuni 42, Stage 1, Stock Engine, Oil Cooler and Harley Oil Pressure Gauge. Low Mileage = 16,000.
I run Amsoil Syn (20W-50) and yes the oil level is correct. When starting the bike (Cold), I get 30psi oil pressure. When cruising the highway above 2,000rpm's the gauge reads between 15 and 20psi. When stuck idling in traffic the bike quickly heats up and the oil pressure drops to Zero.
I understand that the Harley oil pressure gauge is not a precision instrument but this reading of Zero definitely concerns me. Has anyone else encountered this?
I run Amsoil Syn (20W-50) and yes the oil level is correct. When starting the bike (Cold), I get 30psi oil pressure. When cruising the highway above 2,000rpm's the gauge reads between 15 and 20psi. When stuck idling in traffic the bike quickly heats up and the oil pressure drops to Zero.
I understand that the Harley oil pressure gauge is not a precision instrument but this reading of Zero definitely concerns me. Has anyone else encountered this?
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg VA
have 04 Softtail. Does the same thing. When hot and idling, oil pressure will drop to near zero. I have a Ness oil gauge, so I don't think the gauge is that far off. I did put a high performance oil pump in, until it froze/locked up so went back to HD oil pump and just living with low oil pressure when hot.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
Just throw out all gauges and meters you don't need by law. They just cause unnecessary worry, bro. Oil pressure gauges, oil temp gauges, tachs, etc...if Harley didn't put 'em on to begin with, you don't need 'em.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Aruba
Oil pressure gauges are worthless on Harleys. Harleys don't have oil pressure, they have oil flow. If you see oil pressure, that means your bike probably isn't warmed up yet. If you ride it when it isn't warmed up, you'll learn the joy of replacing your base cylinder gaskets.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Kansas
My guage will jump to 45-50 lbs at a cold start, will idle at about 5-10 hot. BUT... A couple of weeks ago, the glycerine started leaking out of the gauge because the rubber plug became dislodged. Moist air replaced it and steamed up the glass. I took it off, removed the plug, flushed the guage out several times with alcolhol, let it dry, and refilled with glycerine from Walgreens. Guage problem solved. I'm still seeing the 45-50 on startup, but now at hot idle, I've been seeing it drop to 0. Just a little above idle, and it comes back up to the 5-10 range. Not too concerned, I plumbed my OP line into a "Y" beyond the sensor which is still hooked up, and so far the OP "idiot" light has not come on yet. As it turns out, all the guage does is cause anxiety.
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