Buell S1 Lightning 1996 Manual page 137

OIL PRESSURE SIGNAL LIGHT SWITCH
GENERAL
The oil pressure signal light switch is a pressure-actuated dia-
phragm-type switch. When oil is not circulating through the
system or when oil pressure is abnormally low, spring tension
holds the switch contacts closed, thereby completing the sig-
nal light circuit and causing the indicator lamp to illuminate.
OIL PRESSURE SIGNAL LIGHT
The oil pressure signal light turns ON when:
Ignition switch is turned on prior to starting engine.
Oil is not circulating through the running engine.
Oil pressure is abnormally low on the running engine.
Engine is idling far below 1000 RPM.
The oil pressure signal light turns OFF when:
Oil is circulating with adequate pressure through the
engine running at 1000 RPM or greater.
Troubleshooting information is listed in
OIL PRESSURE
See Figure 3-41. The oil pump is nonregulatory and delivers
its entire volume of oil under pressure to the oil filter mount.
When an engine is cold, the engine oil will be more viscous
(i.e., thicker). During start-up of a cold engine, oil pressure will
be higher than normal and oil circulation will be somewhat
restricted within the oiling system. As the engine warms to
normal operating temperature, the engine oil will warm up
and become less viscous — oil pressure decreases.
When an engine is operated at high speeds, the volume of oil
circulated through the oiling system increases, resulting in
higher oil pressure. As engine speed is reduced, the volume
of oil pumped is also reduced, resulting in lower oil pressure.
To check oil pressure, use OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (Part No.
HD-96921-52A) and OIL PRESSURE GAUGE ADAPTER
(Part No. HD-96940-52A). Remove oil pressure switch and
insert pressure gauge fitting. See
Run engine until oil reaches normal operating temperature
(motorcycle should be driven at least 20 miles (32 km) at or
above 50 MPH (80 KM/H)). At 2500 RPM, oil pressure will
vary from 10-17 psi (69-117 kN/m
RPM), oil pressure will vary from 7-12 psi (48-83 kN/m
www.PlanDeGraissage.org
Table 3-8.
Figure 3-42.
2
). At idle speed (950-1050
2
).
5681
Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter
(Part No. HD-96940-52A)
Figure 3-41. Checking Oil Pressure
5516
Oil pressure
switch
Figure 3-42. Oil Pressure Signal Light Switch
Table 3-8. Troubleshooting Oil
Pressure Signal Light
OIL
PRESSURE PROBABLE CAUSES
SIGNAL LIGHT
Stays on at Empty oil tank.
Clogged feed line (ice and sludge,
speeds above
freezing temperatures).
idle.
Air-bound oil line.
Grounded oil switch wire.
Malfunctioning signal switch.
Diluted oil.
Malfunctioning check valve (see
FILTER MOUNT
Flickers at idle. Incorrect idle speed. Malfunctioning
or improperly installed check valve
(see OIL FILTER
Does not glow Malfunctioning signal switch.
Malfunction in wiring.
when ignition
Burned-out signal bulb.
is turned on
Dead battery (see NOTE above).
(prior to oper-
ating engine).
Oil Pressure Gauge
(Part No. HD-96921-52A)
Oil filter
OIL
on page 3-37).
MOUNT).
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