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techtalk:ref:oil04 [2022/09/10 01:46] – [Oil Pressure Specs] hippysmacktechtalk:ref:oil04 [2024/02/02 23:32] (current) – [Sportster Oil Pressure (57 to Present)] hippysmack
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 ====== REF: Oiling & Lubrication ====== ====== REF: Oiling & Lubrication ======
 ====== Sportster Oil Pressure (57 to Present) ====== ====== Sportster Oil Pressure (57 to Present) ======
-See also [[techtalk:ref:oil15|Installing an Oil Pressure Gauge]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ 
  
-All Sportsters have oil pressure, even ironheads. \\ +All Sportsters have oil pressure, even Ironheads. It's also been said that putting an oil gauge on an ironhead is useless due to the low oil pressure they operate on. However, most Sportsters operate off low oil pressure especially during hot idle. \\
-It's also been said that putting an oil gauge on an ironhead is useless due to the low oil pressure they operate on. \\ +
-  +
-However, most Sportsters operate off low oil pressure especially during hot idle. \\ +
-The pressure source is shared between the oil pump and crankcase pressure from the action underneath the pistons. \\+
  
-The first answer is to rely on the oil light. \\ +The first answer is just to rely on the oil light. But also checking oil pressure will tell you more about the health of the oiling system. An oil gauge can be fitted to any Sportster to accurately measure the pressure against the specs in the respective FSM and then removed if desired. \\
-However, an oil gauge can be fitted to any Sportster. \\+
  
-====== Oil Pumps ====== +When checking oil pressure, it's important to note that you are not testing pressure at a dead stop standpoint (as in a dead end of pipe). The oil is flowing into the engine at the same time you are testing from the test site. And the resulting pressure reading is a reflection of current pressure near the source WHILE oil flows downstream and out from there. Oil pressure will be lower downstream of the oil pump depending on the restrictions in the oil path and how big the outlet holes in the top end as well as the pinion to flywheel path. \\
-See also in the Sportsterpedia: \\ +
-[[techtalk:ih:oil03|Ironhead Oil Pumps]] \\ +
-[[techtalk:evo:oil03|Evo Oil Pumps]] \\+
  
-  * All Sportster oil pumps are unregulated during operation and will deliver their entire volume of oil under pressure to the engine or oil filter mount (respectively). +**Rocker box oil pressure (Evo)**. \\ 
-  * The oil pump is geared to the pinion shaft and operates faster (increasing oil pressure) or slower (decreasing oil pressure) depending on the revs used. \\ +Evo Oil pump pressure does feed up into the rocker arms via the lifters but is heavily restricted by the path through each lifter and slightly restricted further by elevation. \\ 
-  * Oil viscosity will affect oil pressure. +  * On a cold startup, the pressure is higher due to the thicker oil present which is also flowing slower (hence the higher pressure). \\ As the engine warms up, the oil thins out, pressure is reduced since the oil can flow faster. 
-    * On a cold startup, the oil's viscosity is thicker and this will result in a higher oil pressure but circulation will be restricted somewhat. +  * A PSI gauge tapped into any EVO Sportster rocker box will most likely measure crankcase air pressure instead of oil pressure. \\ It's not possible to accurately measure engine oil pressure from the rocker boxes. \\ Oil pump pressure is relieved once oil is sprayed / leaks out the rocker arms. And you can't actually attached a gauge to the rocker arms.
-    * As the engine warms up, oil gets hot and thinner resulting in higher circulation and a decrease in oil pressure.  +
-  * Oil pressure readings are generally taken at the oil pressure switch outlet (oil pressure switch removed). +
-    * However, the pressure figures for 86-91 models (listed in the FSMs) are based on testing from the tappet hole plug on the engine case between the tappets. \\ (although, a gauge can be installed at the pressure switch or the oil pump with the proper fittings) +
-  * Installing a gauge on the rocker boxes will not do a lot of good for comparison or useable results. +
-    * The oil source is transferred from hydraulic (oil pump) to gravity and slung force (piston down-force) by the time it gets to the rockers. +
-  * An adapter can be added at the oil pump housing to split the piping to the oil pressure switch or filter pad (respectively)and the oil pressure gauge.  +
-  * Run the engine to normal operating temperature and check the gauge. +
-  * Check your readings against the expected oil pump pressures below or your FSM.+
  
-===== Priming the Oil Pump ===== +**Cam cover oil pressure (All)**. \\ 
-A dry pump won't pump oil. \\ +Oil pump pressure is always present internally in the cam cover with the engine running. \\ 
-It will 'cavitate' when their is not a hydraulic seal between the gerotors and the inlet hose from the tank. \\+That is also a deceiving statement. Pump pressure runs through internal cavities in the cover to get from the top to the bottom of the cover and to the pinion shaft. \\ 
 +However, oil pump pressure is confined internally in the cover and does not pressurize the cam chest. \\
  
-Any time you have removed the oil pump or the removed / drained the feed hose from the oil tank, the pump needs to be primed. \\ 
-  * The oil pump needs to be primed with oil / lube before it can transfer oil from the inlet to the outlet cavity inside. 
-    * Prime the oil pump per the FSM; 
-      * Upon removal / inspection, oil the pump internals. 
-      * Remove the oil pressure switch and rotate the engine until oil comes out the end of the pump and reinstall the switch. 
-    * If you let it sit long enough, oil will gravity drain inside the pump and prime it. 
-    * Another way to prime the pump is to use assembly lube on the gerotors and inside of the pump before installing it. ((aswracing of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=4805186#post4805186)) \\ Then you have an instant hydraulic seal to help the oil pump suck oil from the hose. 
-    * You can also using a large syringe with a tapered tip inserted into the oil supply hose on the bottom of the oil tank. ((ericfreeman of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=5751479#post5751479)) \\ Then you can force feed oil the pump and on to the engine using this technique and it avoids having to mess with the sending unit. 
 ====== Checking Oil Pressure ====== ====== Checking Oil Pressure ======
 [[techtalk:ref:oil15|Click Here]] to view "Installing an Oil Pressure Gauge" in the REF section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ [[techtalk:ref:oil15|Click Here]] to view "Installing an Oil Pressure Gauge" in the REF section of the Sportsterpedia. \\
  
-When checking oil pressure, it's important to note that you are not testing pressure at a dead stop standpoint. \\ +ALL PRESSURE SPECS IN THE FSM ARE FOR HOT OIL (at operating temp). \\ 
-The oil is flowing into the engine at the same time you are testing from a still test site. \\ +For an accurate reading, run the engine until the oil reaches normal operating temperature (ride at least 20 miles at or above 50mph first). \\ 
-Likewise, the resulting pressure reading is a reflection of residual pressure while that pressure is being manipulated. \\  +Compare pressure reading against the expected figures in your respective FSM as in below:
-(by oil flow as well as the current viscosity) \\+
  
-  * Remove the oil pressure switch or tappet hole plug (respectively) and insert the appropriate gauge and fitting(s). \\  +====== Expected Oil Pressure Readings ====== 
-  * For an accurate reading, run the engine until the oil reaches normal operating temperature: \\ (motorcycle should be driven at least 20 miles at or above 50mph).  +^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&803|}}|||| 
-  * Check pressure against the expected figures in your respective FSM as in below:+|As tested with hot oil and a gauge mounted off the oil pressure switch location at the oil pump; \\ The oil pressure switch has to be removed for the gauge to be installed. \\ Oil filter is on the return side of the oil pump and should not hinder pressure reading.|||| 
 +|Year Model|Minimum|Normal Riding Conditions|Max Riding Conditions| 
 +|1957-1969 Sportsters ((1959-1969 HD FSM pgs 3A-11, 3A-15))|3-7 psi (idle, with spark retarded)|10-14 psi (6 psi at 20 mph)| 
 +|1970-1978 Sportsters ((1970-1978 HD FSM pgs 3-1, 3-5))|3-7 psi (idle)|4-15 psi|15 psi (60 mph in high gear)| 
 +|1979-1985 Sportsters ((1979-1985 HD FSM pgs 3-1, 3-10))|4-7 psi (idle)|4-15 psi|10-20 psi (3500 rpm)|
  
-^With pressure gauge mounted at tappet hole plug||| +^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&803|}}|||| 
-|Year Model|Minimum PSI \\ (Idle Speed)|Normal Riding  \\ Conditions \\ (2500 rpm)| +|As tested with hot oil and a gauge mounted; \\ 1. Off the plug hole on the engine case between the tappets; \\ 2. Off the oil pressure switch location at the oil filter pad. \\ Oil filter is on the feed side of the pump giving higher pressure on the pressure gauge. \\ **Note**: Oil pressure will be lower when checked between the tappets but the FSM specs use this hole for testing.|||| 
-|1986-1990 ((1986 HD FSM pgs 3-2)) ((1986-1990 HD FSM pgs 3-2, 3-10))|1-7 psi|5-30 psi (2500 rpm)| +|Year Model|Minimum|Normal Riding Conditions|Notes| 
-|1991 ((1991 HD FSM pgs 3-2, 3-32))|7-12 psi|12-17 psi (2500 rpm)| +|1986-1990 Sportsters ((1986 HD FSM pgs 3-2)) ((1986-1990 HD FSM pgs 3-2, 3-10)) ((1986-1990 HD FSM pg 3-10))|1-7 psi|5-30 psi (2500 rpm)|tested from plug hole between tappets.| 
-^With pressure gauge mounted at oil filter pad||| +|:::|7-17 psi|not specified|tested from oil pressure switch \\ location at the oil filter pad|
-|Year Model|Minimum PSI \\ (Idle Speed)|Normal Riding  \\ Conditions \\ (2500 rpm)| +
-|1986-1990 \\ ((1986-1990 HD FSM pg 3-10))|7-17 psi \\ (see above)|not \\ specified| +
-|1992-2004 \\ ((1991-1992 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-2, 3-32)) ((1993-1994 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-40)) ((1995-1996 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-38)) ((1998 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-38)) ((1999 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-40)) ((2000 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-6, 3-54)) ((2004 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-14))| 7-12 psi|10-17 psi (2500 rpm)| +
-|2013 XR1200X \\ ((shanneba from the XLFORUM- 2013 Factory Service Manual))|16-20 psi|40-44 psi|+
  
 +^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&803|}}|||
 +|As tested off the oil pressure switch location at the oil filter pad. \\ Oil filter is on the feed side of the pump giving higher pressure on the gauge.|||
 +|Year Model|Minimum|Normal Riding Conditions|
 +|1991 Sportsters ((1991 HD FSM pgs 3-2, 3-32))|7-12 psi|12-17 psi (2500 rpm)|
 +|1992-2004 Sportsters ((respective FSMs))| 7-12 psi|10-17 psi (2500 rpm)|
 +|2013 XR1200X ((shanneba from the XLFORUM- 2013 Factory Service Manual))|16-20 psi|40-44 psi|
 +|:::|Has oil pressure relief set at 50 psi. ((shanneba from the XLFORUM- 2013 Factory Service Manual)) Includes an oil cooler w/ thermostat \\ opens at 190ºF (88ºC).||
  
- +===== Gauge installed at the rocker box on Ironheads =====
-Expected oil pump pressure per FSM's: \\ +
-===== Gauge installed at the oil pump ===== +
-As checked with hot oil and a gauge at the oil pressure switch location at the oil pump. \\ +
-The oil pressure switch has to be removed for the gauge to be installed. \\ +
-Oil filter is on the return side of the oil pump giving less restriction to the feed side. \\ +
- +
-**1957-1969**: ((1959-1969 HD FSM pgs 3A-11, 3A-15)) \\ +
-Minimum: 3-7 psi (idle, with spark retarded) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 10-14 psi (6 psi at 20 mph) \\ +
- +
-**1970-1978**: ((HD 70-78 FSM pgs 3-1, 3-5)) \\ +
-Minimum: 3-7 psi (idle) \\ +
-Maximum: 15 psi (60 mph in high gear) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi +
- +
-**1979-1985**: ((1979-1985 HD FSM pgs 3-1, 3-10)) \\ +
-Minimum: 4-7 psi (idle) \\ +
-Maximum: 10-20 psi (3500 rpm) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi \\ +
- +
- +
-===== Gauge installed at the tappet hole plug ===== +
-As checked with hot oil and a gauge at the plug hole on the engine case between the tappets. \\ +
-The plug between the tappets has to be removed for the gauge to be installed. \\ +
-Oil filter is on the feed side of the pump giving more restriction on the feed side. \\ +
- +
-**1986-1990**: ((1986 HD FSM pgs 3-2)) ((1986-1990 HD FSM pgs 3-2, 3-10)) \\ +
-Minimum: 1-7 psi (idle) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 5-30 psi (2500 rpm) \\ +
- +
-**1991**: ((1991 HD FSM pgs 3-2, 3-32)) \\ +
-Minimum: 7-12 psi (idle) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 12-17 psi (2500 rpm) \\ +
- +
-===== Gauge installed at the oil filter pad ===== +
-As checked with hot oil and a gauge at the oil pressure switch location at oil filter pad. \\ +
-The oil pressure switch has to be removed for the gauge to be installed. \\ +
- +
-**1986-1990**: ((1986-1990 HD FSM pg 3-10)) \\ +
-Oil pressure, when checked at the oil filter pad (oil pressure switch removed), will be 6-10 psi higher than when checked at the tappet plug on the case at idle. \\ +
-See pressure figures above when checked at the tappet plug hole. \\  +
- +
-**1992-2004**: ((1991-1992 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-2, 3-32)) ((1993-1994 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-40)) ((1995-1996 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-38)) ((1998 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-38)) ((1999 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-40)) ((2000 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-6, 3-54)) ((2004 HD Sportster FSM pgs 3-3, 3-14)) \\ +
-Minimum: 7-12 psi (idle speed varies from 950-1050 rpm between the different FSMs) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 10-17 psi (2500 rpm) \\ +
- +
-**2013 XR1200X**: ((shanneba from the XLFORUM- 2013 Factory Service Manual)) \\ +
-Minimum: 16-20 psi (idle) \\ +
-Normal riding conditions: 40-44 psi (2500 rpm) \\ +
-Oil pressure relief (50 psi) \\ +
- +
-  * It includes an oil cooler with a thermostat that starts to open at 190ºF (88ºC).  +
-  * The oil pump and the head breathers are a new design. \\ The oil pump rotors are driven by the cams, the feed rotor is driven off the front intake cam and the scavenge rotor is driven by the rear exhaust cam.  +
- +
-===== Gauge installed at the rocker box =====+
 Installing a gauge at the rocker box is basically useless in diagnosing from the FSM. \\ Installing a gauge at the rocker box is basically useless in diagnosing from the FSM. \\
 There are no specs in the manuals to support any readings taken from the rockers. \\ There are no specs in the manuals to support any readings taken from the rockers. \\
 +Oil pressure will most likely be measurable on startup but low to nil when the oil gets to operating temp. \\ 
 However, below are some noted pressure readings from XLFORUM members. \\ However, below are some noted pressure readings from XLFORUM members. \\
  
-=== IH engine === +A 0-15 psi gauge (although it will max out with a cold motor) will give you the most accurate readings with hot oil. ((simeli of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/54570-step-by-step-fitting-a-rocker-box-pressure-guage/page4?t=263589&highlight=lower+oil+pump&page=4)) \\
- +
-A 0-15 psi gauge (although it will max out with a cold motor) will give you the most accurate readings with hot oil. ((simeli of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=263589&highlight=lower+oil+pump&page=4)) \\+
 A 0-30 psi gauge is only useful at cold temps. \\ A 0-30 psi gauge is only useful at cold temps. \\
 A 0-60 psi gauge is useless when testing from the rocker box. \\ A 0-60 psi gauge is useless when testing from the rocker box. \\
Line 139: Line 65:
   * 15 psi+ when cold.   * 15 psi+ when cold.
   * 7-10 psi during normal riding conditions.   * 7-10 psi during normal riding conditions.
- 
  
 Other XLF member results noted from the rocker box: \\ Other XLF member results noted from the rocker box: \\
- +  * Cold start, running 20/50, - pressure off the scale at startup. ((paulc of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/158701-fitting-rocker-box-oil-pressure-gauge/page2?t=1698960&page=2))
-  * Cold start, running 20/50, - pressure off the scale at startup. ((paulc of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1698960&page=2))+
     * Settled to 8-9 psi after a few minutes at fast idle.      * Settled to 8-9 psi after a few minutes at fast idle. 
     * After 2 miles, the pressure was steady at 12 psi.     * After 2 miles, the pressure was steady at 12 psi.
Line 166: Line 90:
 A chart similar to the one below can be used to keep up with successive pressure readings. \\ A chart similar to the one below can be used to keep up with successive pressure readings. \\
 {{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportster_oil_pressure_-_oil_pressure_mapping_chart_by_hippysmack.png?direct&400|}} ((drawing by Hippysmack)) \\ {{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportster_oil_pressure_-_oil_pressure_mapping_chart_by_hippysmack.png?direct&400|}} ((drawing by Hippysmack)) \\
-====== Oil Tank Pressure ====== 
- 
-[[techtalk:ref:oil20|Click here]] to view the Oil Tank Pressure page in the Sportsterpedia. \\ 
- 
  
  

Trace: • REF: Service Procedures 11L • EVO: Engine Mechanicals • EVO: Engine Control • REF: Oiling & Lubrication • IH: Engine Control - Sub-01A • MiscRes: Parts Catalogs • IH: Carburetor, Intake Manifold & Exhaust