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[JZ3]

Need some help on figuring why my oil pressure gauge is not working (backlighting works but zero pressure).  I have had a lot of work done recently so I have been backtracking my steps to try to figure out whats going on.  I installed a new stereo system and changed the backlighting of all the gauges....so my first thought is I inadvertently pulled the lead off the gauge (2 leads per gauge/1 for the bulb and 1 for the oil pressure).  Pulled the fairing and checked/reseated connectors...not the problem.

I also had cams/adjustable push-rods and new headpipe installed....the only thing I could visually check is the oil sending unit lead.  Unplugged and reseated it but still no pressure on the indicator.  I honestly can't say if it was working/or not after the dealer installed the cams and I have put at least a 300 miles on it since the work.  Everything sounds and feels right with the engine... I have a digital oil temp gauge and engine temps are actually running cooler since the engine work/tune.  It's just too coincidental, given the location of the sending unit and the cam work? 

Is it possible the sending unit has already failed, something clogging the sending unit internally, gauge failure???

[grc]

Try this:

Remove the connector from the sending unit and turn on the ignition.  The gauge should remain at zero.  Then ground the brown/green wire terminal in that connector, the gauge should go to full scale.  If you get these results, the gauge and wiring is good.  If you don't get these results, either the gauge is bad or the wiring may be damaged between the sending unit and the gauge.  A simple continuity check from the sending unit connector to the gauge connector should verify or eliminate that possibility.

If the gauge and wiring check OK, you could assume the sending unit is kaput and just replace it, or you could remove it and substitute a mechanical pressure gauge to verify you really have good oil pressure. 


Jerry

[JZ3]

Jerry....I'll give it a try in the morning.  Thanks!

John

[hd-dude]

Try what Jerry suggested. If the gauge does not respond It is possible that the oil pressure and volt gauge wires are reversed.

[JZ3]

Jerry/Jim...I grounded the green/brown wire and got full-scale defection of the needle.  Looks like a bad sending unit (@1000 miles) and the easiest to fix out of all the things it could have been.  Thanks guys....you saved me a lot of time and worry 

[Mr. Wizard]

Just thinking about another thing to look at if the sensor isn't bad.

You say you just had cam work done. A while back I changed cams on one of my bikes and made a little tiny, itty-bitty mistake. I didn't follow the proper installation order of the separator plates, wave washer and gerotor sets. I did it by memory... (yeah, i know) This resulted in zero oil pressure. I had to take her apart and reassemble the oil pump properly and all was well.

Just thinking outside the box.