Oil Pressure Indicator Switch - Buell P3 Service Manual

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OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR SWITCH

GENERAL
See Figure 3-93. The oil pressure indicator switch is a pres-
sure-actuated diaphragm-type switch. When oil is not circulat-
ing through the system or when oil pressure is low, spring
tension holds the switch contacts closed, thereby completing
the signal light circuit and causing the indicator lamp to illumi-
nate.
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 in the running engine.
Engine is idling 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
NOTE
If the ignition is turned back on immediately after the engine
is stopped, the oil light may not turn on right away because of
oil pressure retained in the filter housing.
OIL PRESSURE
The oil pump is non regulatory 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).
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-96921-52B) and OIL PRESSURE GAUGE ADAPTER
(Part No. HD-96940-58). Remove oil pressure indicator
switch and insert pressure gauge fitting.
Ride motorcycle at least 20 miles (32 km) at or above 50
MPH (80 KM/H) until engine oil reaches normal operating
temperature. At 2500 RPM, oil pressure will vary from 10-12
psi (69-83 KPa). At idle speed (950-1050 RPM), oil pressure
will vary from 6-8 psi (42-55 KPa).
3-54 2007 Buell P3: Engine
Table 3-28.
b1032x3x
Figure 3-93. Oil Pressure Indicator Switch
Table 3-28. Troubleshooting Oil
Pressure Signal Light
OIL
PRESSURE
PROBABLE CAUSES
SIGNAL
LIGHT
Stays on at Empty oil reservoir.
speeds above
Clogged feed line (ice and sludge,
idle.
freezing temperatures).
Air-bound oil line.
Grounded oil switch wire.
Malfunctioning signal switch.
Diluted oil.
Malfunctioning check valve (see
3.13 OIL FILTER
Flickers at Incorrect idle speed. Malfunction-
ing or improperly installed check
idle.
valve
MOUNT).
Does not glow Malfunctioning signal switch.
when ignition
Malfunction in wiring.
is turned on
Burned-out signal bulb.
(prior to oper-
Dead battery (see NOTE).
ating engine).
3.9
MOUNT).
(see 3.13 OIL FILTER