Oil pressure gauge

[trophy]

Hello. I have just completed fitting a replacement crank to my 1962 model 31, fitting new shells etc. I would love to check the oil pressure before next riding season. I have no reason to doubt the oil pumps output but I would sleep better if I knew. I have trawled through the technical articles for a "how to" but if there is one I'm blowed if I can find it. Can anyone help

[Rob Harknett]

Is a gauge really needed. Something else that could go wrong or not read correct. There can be no mistake by what you see returning to your oil tank. Unlike a car where you have only a warning light to go by. Just check you are getting a good return an have a good nights sleep.

[trophy]

Your quite right Rob. I have had several bikes fitted with oil pressure gauges as standard and one (1932 BSA Bluestar 500) whose handbook stated 4 psi was acceptable, and a couple where the only indication is oil dripping drop by drop through a sight glass, another couple where there is no indication at all and relied on spiked con rod bottoms splashing oil in the wet sump onto the bearing and cylinder. I also believe that Triumph replaced their oil pressure gauge sited on the petrol tank instrument panel for a pressure indicator on the timing cover, all because of owners concerns of low oil pressure. As it happens the return to the oil tank is good, and I do know that with shell bearings its flow rather than pressure which is important. Changed my mind. Won't bother with checking the oil pressure.

[ajscomboman]

Your quite right Rob. I have had several bikes fitted with oil pressure gauges as standard and one (1932 BSA Bluestar 500) whose handbook stated 4 psi was acceptable, and a couple where the only indication is oil dripping drop by drop through a sight glass, another couple where there is no indication at all and relied on spiked con rod bottoms splashing oil in the wet sump onto the bearing and cylinder. I also believe that Triumph replaced their oil pressure gauge sited on the petrol tank instrument panel for a pressure indicator on the timing cover, all because of owners concerns of low oil pressure. As it happens the return to the oil tank is good, and I do know that with shell bearings its flow rather than pressure which is important. Changed my mind. Won't bother with checking the oil pressure.

Probably a wise move, when cold I've seen gauges read over 300 psi cold only to drop to below 25 when hot on a twin, so never bothered after that as my heart couldn't take the strain of the worrying. The bikes are still running to this day so it's quite normal.

[Rob Harknett]

Old vehicles had pressure gauges, Our V twins had facilities in the tank panel for a gauge. They got dropped post war. I check oil levels visually on my car. One day returning from a committee meeting, the oil can warning symbol came up. I was only a few miles from home, so continued home. When I checked my dip stick. I found I only had about a pint of oil left in my engine. I would had done better by checking by sight, than rely on the oil warning devise.

[moley]

My 1948 Triumph shows about 60 .... If that's any help... andy

[Rob Harknett]

I'm believe I read somewhere my 650 CSR pumps at 200 ppi

[GrimJim]

Workshop Instruction Manual - All Models 1957 - 1964: Page 14. Description and Photo.

Jim

[JEAN-NOEL]

You can look at this link :
AJS 650 1965 restored first run part 3 - YouTube
From 1964 650 had hi-cap oïl pumps, with a discharge valve fitted in oïl pumps body.
With 20/50 classic oïl, oïl pressure when cold reaches 60 PSI at idle, and when hot 25 PSI at idle, 45/50 PSI at 3000 RPM.
On my 1957 M30 I had not discharge valve, and leaks were very important between cylinders and crankcase, and betwen crankcase halves. I was using Castrol GP 50.