Normal Oil Pressure???
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 922
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From: Hampstead, MD
Normal Oil Pressure???
When I start my bike, 2007 SG, the pressure is up to about 32psi at idle. After 20+ miles and up to good operating temps it drops down to only a few lbs. At a stop and idling, it's just about on zero. This is my first Harley and in the last year put about 12k miles on it. I just recently started really watching the pressure gauge since it seems to be running hotter. I've checked other buddies bikes and they seem to run alot higher pressure at all times. Is this indicative of any particular problem? The motor is still stock with exception to intake, pipes and fuel management and I'm running Amsoil Full synthetic in all 3 holes. The only other work I've done is to have the whole motor powdercoated black. If this requires any major work, I'll probably wind up just doing a FM 107 kit. At least that'll be my angle with the wifey... LOL
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the oil pressure is limited to 35 PSI. by a relief valve in the cam plate.
oil pressure and volume are dependent on rpms, and one of the reasons that stock idle is now about 1300 rpm ( and oil is part of the cooling system, so you want lots of volume to carry the heat out of the motor and lots of pressure to get that film of oil into the bearings and bushings
--- my 09 idles at 1300 rpm, 32 PSI and oil temp 100ş---- stays pretty stable for pressure when warmer.
if you see oil pressure drop like that you may need a heavier weight oil- it may just be thinning out too much when hot.
I can't comment on amsoil I use H-D oil and have in all my Harleys. straight H-D 60w in the Pans, H-D 360 20w50 in the evos and syn3 20w50in the twincam--- i use the primary + in the tranny and primary
mike
oil pressure and volume are dependent on rpms, and one of the reasons that stock idle is now about 1300 rpm ( and oil is part of the cooling system, so you want lots of volume to carry the heat out of the motor and lots of pressure to get that film of oil into the bearings and bushings
--- my 09 idles at 1300 rpm, 32 PSI and oil temp 100ş---- stays pretty stable for pressure when warmer.
if you see oil pressure drop like that you may need a heavier weight oil- it may just be thinning out too much when hot.
I can't comment on amsoil I use H-D oil and have in all my Harleys. straight H-D 60w in the Pans, H-D 360 20w50 in the evos and syn3 20w50in the twincam--- i use the primary + in the tranny and primary
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 8, 2011 at 07:55 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 307
Likes: 1
From: S. Florida
My 2010 Ultra dipped low also until I instaled the Baisley oil spring when I changed the cams out for Woods 6-6. Now I have great pressure at all RPM's..... Also, running RedLine 20-50 since 500 mile service.
Funny I just noticed this on my 2011 SG tonight. It's only got 600 miles on it. When it's warmed up and I'm running around 2500 rpms the pressure is around 32 psi.
But when I'm at an idle it drops to around 5-10 pounds. I've got plenty of oil and no lights come on.
I might give the shop a call tomorrow just to be sure nothing is up with my new SG.
But when I'm at an idle it drops to around 5-10 pounds. I've got plenty of oil and no lights come on.
I might give the shop a call tomorrow just to be sure nothing is up with my new SG.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,066
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From: Central Coast CA
I have been running Redline 20/60 and what an improvement in oil pressure, I also have the Baisley spring but have not opened the cam chest to put it in yet. The 20/60 has also seemed to help the amount of oil I am getting up in the air cleaner I don't think it froths as much so atomizing and being shipped up to the intake is reduced.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: antelope valley ca.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: Henderson, Nevada
Hot, at idle, expect low pressure. The instruments may not be precise. If the lifters are not clattering, don't wory about it. You need volume, not pressure.
Last edited by Harleyboyddk; Sep 8, 2011 at 10:29 PM.
