Oil Pressure and Charge Warning Light Install

Tornado · Nov 15, 2022

robs ss said:
Does that mean you and/or anyone you know has never saved an engine because of one of these lights?

It's a genuine question. I'm wondering if these are "good in principal" but not actually very effective.
Cheers

I believe SwooshDave lost an engine because he didn't have any oil pressure warning device, and got upto freeway speeds before the missing pump seal to timining case cover lead to the ventilation of the sump. Had he seen a warning or low pressure on a guage before setting off, could've saved it.

SteveC · Nov 15, 2022

Rob‘s question is a fair one, but I wonder how many Commando‘s have retro fitted oil pressure switches. A couple of hundred maybe?Probably not enough to be able to measure the effectiveness of a switch. I wonder if the experiences of Triumph owners would be more indicative?

jan nelder · Nov 15, 2022

Tornado said:
I believe SwooshDave lost an engine because he didn't have any oil pressure warning device, and got upto freeway speeds before the missing pump seal to timining case cover lead to the ventilation of the sump. Had he seen a warning or low pressure on a guage before setting off, could've saved it.

that’s the second type of crankcase ventilation you get with Commandos, but not in a good way.....

robs ss · Nov 15, 2022

Tornado said:
I believe SwooshDave lost an engine because he didn't have any oil pressure warning device, and got upto freeway speeds before the missing pump seal to timining case cover lead to the ventilation of the sump. Had he seen a warning or low pressure on a guage before setting off, could've saved it.

Thanks Tornado - and I do believe there have been failures of this type (might be the primary oil seal?) but my query here is - will a pilot light be effective in preventing this damage? If the light comes on but the rider doesn't notice then it's folly - or, at best, a way of making the owner "feel better".
I may still fit one but am interested in other's views.
Cheers

TomU · Nov 15, 2022

If it's a bright light, you'll notice it. Gauges, not so much. Is it better than ignorance, leave that up to you

Ibex · Nov 15, 2022

The 'deluxe' version of the Improvingclassicmotorcycles range incorporates a VERY bright LED which is very noticeable even with the sun shining directly on the lamp.

Tornado · Nov 15, 2022

All things considered, better to have a slim chance of noticing low/no pressure (warning light/gauge) than to have zero chance (stock setup).

YING · Nov 16, 2022

Ibex said:
The 'deluxe' version of the Improvingclassicmotorcycles range incorporates a VERY bright LED which is very noticeable even with the sun shining directly on the lamp.

The flashing light is very visible to me and easier to notice in all riding environments.Pleased with the unit
Mike

texasSlick · Nov 16, 2022

Maybe it is just me, or maybe it's my pilot training, but I scan my guages and lights regularly.
Not so much in my 2017 F150 which ding dongs me every time some abnormal occurrence happens.
I put a Madass oil warning light on my Atlas ....... Except for the glow at every stoplight when the oil is hot, I am happy with it.

Slick

Oil Pressure and Charge Warning Light Install

Tornado

SteveC

jan nelder

robs ss

TomU

1972 Roadster

Ibex

Tornado

YING

Pittsboro,NC

texasSlick

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