Loss of oil pressure..... Harley Oil & Lubrication Discuss Loss of oil pressure..... in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have noticed that over the course of the last 20,000 mile on my 05 Ultra the oil pressure has dropped considerably when at ilde. The cold (60 degrees) idle ...

[admin]

I have noticed that over the course of the last 20,000 mile on my 05 Ultra the oil pressure has dropped considerably when at ilde. The cold (60 degrees) idle the pressure is about 33 psi+/- until warm when it droppes to 15 psi. When hot and the oil temp is about 195 - 215 degrees the idle pressure droppes to just under 10 psi. It seems that these pressures are alot less that when there was 10,000 miles.

I change make the regular changes, evenb a few extra in between and run mobile one since the first change at 1,000 miles. Don't know what to think.....any help or thoughts on this?

Posted by: bubba_russ on Nov 20, 06 12:32:03 pm

[74ormore]

I asked a similar question to a buddy I ride with, who is a factory trained, 20+ year wrench at my local HD dealership. I had just bought an 00 FLHTCU-I, and noticed the oil pressure, when hot, would drop below 10 psi at idle, like at a red light. He told me that was a normal hot pressure, and asked if the pressure came up with increased rpm (it did). Made me feel better.

[whylee]

Its sounds pretty normal to me. As you rack up more miles, your engines clearances become greater and allow the oil to flow thru much more freely, in turn your oil pressure will drop.

[shovelmike]

Being equipped with rolling element bearings (ball or roller) Harley engines do not require much pressure compared to the plain bearing equipped automobiles we`are accustomed to monitoring pressure on. Back in automotive school the rule of thumb was, "If the needle wiggles drive it". Sincerely: Shovelmike.