 Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
|
OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416 |
So I thought I needed an oil pressure gauge with the BB and all. Looked at all the ones out there and got ideas. Didn't quite like the ones I saw, so I made up my own mockup: Bought a gauge that coud take 100PSI, an 8" brake line an3, an 1/8 female elbow and an adapter an3-1/8. Got some help from Ian (thanks buddy) and then good ol' Brent (thanks to you as well) could sell me a double banjo bolt that actually worked (the one I had was too short). Made my own alum(in)ium bracket (will probably make a new one later from ss) and mounted the gauge at one of the inlet bolts. I like the place it sits and it's easy to read when in the seat. At the moment the gauge is held in place by a too big hose clamp. I'll change that one later. 
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
that's similar to the one British Customs has, nice! how much did you spend on parts and everything?
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335
Adjunct
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335 |
Nice. I like it down there instead of up on the bars.
-Joe Merlino
Boston, MA USA
1982 BMW R100 (decomissioned), 2003 America
Triumph: Cool enough for The Fonz, cool enough for me.
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
|
OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416 |
Quote:
how much did you spend on parts and everything?
$25 for the special double banjo bolt, $8 for the elbow, $10 for the brake line, $10 for the banjo (35 deg), nada for the bracket and $3 for the adapter. A total of $56. 
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Happy to help, I like your positioning.
I had to make my own double banjo bolt when I made mine. I made it from a 7/16 stainless bolt I machined down and polished. I also made my own stainless bracket and polished it. The rest of the parts you can buy. My total was a little over $60 I think.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Can you take a pic from the seated position on the bike? Looks good! 
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
|
OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416 |
Quote:
Can you take a pic from the seated position on the bike?
Sure!

"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Looks great, keep saying I will get round to putting one on myself but it keeps getting shelved - nice job Bengt 
Ray(UK)
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Nice job! I will take advantage of your generosity and use your parts list. What I'd like to know is, is there another place to "tap" into that would be closer to the Triple Tree? I'd like the gauge up by the handlebars somewhere, and would need a much longer fluid line. Would tapping into the top fitting of the oil cooler be acceptible? Or the fitting to the head? 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
You could T off where the stock sending unit threads in. If you T it off you could keep the idiot light and not have to use a custom banjo bolt.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
I have been thinking that it might be easier to mount an oil pressure gauge right off of the where the oil cooler line connects to the head on the right hand side. Remove the banjo bolt, drill and tap for pipe thread, install the gauge. Direct mount, should be good visability. There should be pressure there, unless that line is an open return into the head.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Thats where I'm leaning tward. I would still run a braided line from there to the guage mounted to my bars or triple clamp, cause thats where I want it, but I want the shortest run of line as well.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I have been thinking that it might be easier to mount an oil pressure gauge right off of the where the oil cooler line connects to the head on the right hand side. Remove the banjo bolt, drill and tap for pipe thread, install the gauge. Direct mount, should be good visability. There should be pressure there, unless that line is an open return into the head.
-after rereading my post - perhaps I should clarify - I mean to drill and tap the hex head end of the banjo bolt itself. This would put a bottom mount gauge facing up. But directly attached to the engine.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I am not sure if that has pressure or is a return, I think the latter but am not sure.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I am not sure if that has pressure or is a return, I think the latter but am not sure.
looking at the OEM parts list for the oil cooler assembly it shows it as a imput line for the cooler (going into the top of the cooler), which should mean that it is pressurized. The lower cooler line is listed as the return.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
Quote:
I am not sure if that has pressure or is a return, I think the latter but am not sure.
looking at the OEM parts list for the oil cooler assembly it shows it as a imput line for the cooler (going into the top of the cooler), which should mean that it is pressurized. The lower cooler line is listed as the return.
Pressurized or not it would still have an input and return or the oil wouldn't flow through to cool it. I haven't looked at the circuit yet to see if it is or isn't or if I can tell from the manual. I tend to doubt it is pressurized but that doesn't mean it isn't.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
I ginned up this adapter last night for a oil pressure gauge to replace the right side banjo bolt that connects the oil cooler line to the head. I have not tried it out yet. (motor with BB is re-assembled but am waiting on new jets to finish up) 
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I don't think that is under pressure but not sure. Let us know what you find.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Nice job. I appreciate those that jimmy up improvements to their bike cheaply but effectively. I might be giving my American mechanic (you know who you are) a pm soon to ask him how I could go about it myself. Regardless, this one looks very nice. thanks for showing us 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 160
Adjunct
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 160 |
And then I will be taking a road trip to ACT to see you Staffo to see how it looks.
2008 Black Speedmaster
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
The OPG is a must,,,,,,if for nothing morethan bling and announcement factor that there is "somthing mighty I need to keep check on here !" 
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I had a problem with the sending unit on Wendys bike so her light came on and stayed on. The pressure was fine but I didn't know that for sure. If I had the mechanical gauge on there at the time it would have given me piece of mind. Also there is a better chance to catch a problem by seeing a drop in pressure before damage is done. With the idiot light , by the time they come on it's usually too late. You have to actually check the gauge as you ride to have a chance of catching a problem though. These shots are my version I made a while back. 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
I was gonna do one, but the wife won't let me do a BB untill the 790 blows. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
I was gonna do one, but the wife won't let me do a BB untill the 790 blows.
That sucks, since these are so very dependable
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I am not sure if that has pressure or is a return, I think the latter but am not sure.
there is pressure there.

05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
Micah, Is that needle pegged? Or am I just looking at it wrong?
Tony G
'03 America
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
Micah, Is that needle pegged? Or am I just looking at it wrong?
I suppose it is pegged, but at zero. the engine was not running when I took the picture.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
When you say there is pressure there, what is it at when running down the road at highway speeds? at idle?
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
I have not been able to take it out on the road (it is still winter here) the pressure I referred to is at idle and reving the motor where is sets. real proof will come with the warmer weather.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Quote:
Micah, Is that needle pegged? Or am I just looking at it wrong?
I suppose it is pegged, but at zero. the engine was not running when I took the picture.
Sure looks like it's on the wrong side of the zero peg!  But surely it's not. (right?) 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Quote:
I was gonna do one, but the wife won't let me do a BB untill the 790 blows.
That sucks, since these are so very dependable
Just think of the options that will be avalible when it does in ten-twenty years (hopefully) 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Ok, A V A I L A B L E !, Got it 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I just wondered if you were getting a true reading or residual pressure, that's why I asked. I don't want to get into a pressure debate and the bypass pressures etc.. On the gauges I made I get between 20psi and 40psi at idle depending on temp and rpm and a peak of about 80psi.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Nice work setting that OPG up Micah. It looks like a really nice place to position one too. My only concern is how much pressure is avaiable there. I know you said there is and I don't doubt you, but like others have mentioned it appears not much is happening on the gauge at idle and I would prefer to see something happening. What I'm saying is I love the simplicity and location of what you have done but I would need just a little bit more evidence the OPG works equally as well as when positioned in the normal locations. Apologies for being so blunt but if you have the ability to engineer components etc, then I'm sure you can help me out in determining whether yours is as good as it looks. 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 251
Adjunct
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 251 |
Q. ?  The manual states that the oil pressure should be 40psi at 4400 rpm ? Are the differences here due to the various setups or is there a flaw? I recently fitted an opg to the pick up line and got 40psi at idle and 80psi at 3500rpm.  at these sort of increments I'd need a 160psi gauge minimum to get a reading at highway speeds... ?? 
Mike.
Veho Liberate
Iustus Paratus Prohibeo Penuriosus Effectus
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
When the engine is up to full operating temperature, the readings, especially at idle, will drop considerably.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
highest mine gets is about 85psi
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Mine is around 20 PSI at idle when warm and 40 or so when cold. It then jumps to around 80 PSI rather quickly, not sure the RPM as I never compared with the tach, but that is about where the relief valve kicks in. Some guys will argue as they have done with me over and over that the relief valve is supposed to kick in at 75 PSI if I remember right. Mine doesn't and never has but does around 80 PSI. All you need is a 100PSI gauge.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Oil Pressure Gauge - Done!
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
The only concern I have with the oil pressure gauge is the hard to see location and the need for an oil line in the loop. Has anybody tried to hook up an electric oil pressure gauge and sender . I googled this and came up with this site as an example. http://www.deftracing.com/prosport_gauges/Oil_Pressure_Gauge_Electric_w_sender_Amber_White_52mm.htm . That way the gauge can be placed in the dash or on the handlebar with only a wire running to it. Much cleaner and easy to see, plus it can be lit for night use.
12 Rocket Roadster 03 Bonneville America 69 BSA Firebird Scrambler 73 Yamaha TX 750
|
|
|
|
|