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Oil pressure gauge

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What are the opinions on oil pressure gauges or oil pressure warning light. Would like to fit one or the other. Cheers 

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Like the idea of an oil pressure light Roy, it would be nice to find one that switches at the correct pressure. When i finally rebuild my engine knowing that i have good oil pressure would be very assuring.

Kind regards, Ian

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Why not fit both?

Certainly couldn't hurt. Gauge for daytime and light for night.

Mike

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A few years back I fitted one to my Commando, took the feed off the rocker feed I think. When cold the pressure was great but as soon as the oil heated up, the pressure dropped right off. 

I don't know if there is a better way of doing it. 

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As the oil thinned it leaked more out the gaps in the various journals or the Oprv valve was set to open at too low an oil pressure. Worn oil pump is another possibility.

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Hello Roy

I don't think an oil pressure gauge is essential but I have one fitted along with an oil pressure switch.

The main reason is that I have one of the "Devil's taps" in the oil supply line to prevent wet sumping.  I have one of those 'reminder cords' used with disk locks to remind me to switch it on but just in case I fitted a switch and gauge.

The details of the switch are shown in this earlier post https://www.nortonownersclub.org/node/3081

I fitted the gauge from this supplier http://www.triplesunlimited.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=70_60_67

The switch is easy to fit and works for the intended purpose of just showing that there is oil pressure on start-up and that I've opened the oil tap.

I fitted the gauge before the pressure switch became available but - at the risk of starting an oil thread - I have observed some oils hold the pressure up better than others.  Nothing too scientific but I do like to have some indication that this part of the engine is working as it should.

Feel free to message me if you'd like any further details.

Andy

Hi Andy thank for the info, I think maybe a oil light will suffice as long as I  can see it on/off that will do, I believe the kits are available somewhere not sure where, I have a double banjo and switch down at the pump springs to mind.

Cheers

Roy

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Famously they fitted one to the Dommie 7 but removed it because owners were upset by seeing zero as soon as it warmed up.  It will at least tell you that the oil pump is pumping oil when you start up.  But, if you remember to check the gauge, why would you forget to open the oil tap?  Maybe a bright light would be better - but the chances are it would come back on as soon as the engine warms up?

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... advise against for 2 reasons: the pressure shown at high revs when the engine is warm is likely to be scary, and it adds another potential failure point.

Ignoring their advice I made a take-off on the rocker feed for a warning light on my 850 Commando. On a trip in France I felt my left leg getting warm and damp. Yes, my adaptor had failed. Fortunately I was carrying all the original bits so was able to refit them and carry on. And I hadn't noticed the warning light coming on.

 


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