Oil Pressure light on

[JJH]

Okay, I bought a cheap oil pressure tester. I removed the oil pressure switch and threaded in the tester. I snugged it down, but not very tight. Started the bike and the pressure read 90 psi at idle and over 140 when revved. I was also leaking oil lots of oil from the tester hole. I turned off the bike tighten the tester a bit, but I still didn't get really tight. I started up and same results, just less leaking. Now before getting freaked out I bought the tester from Harbor Freight so there is a distinct possibility that it is not accurate in the least. The point is when the tester was snug it leaked LOTS of oil, and when tight a bit less but still a good amount. I then put the oil pressure sensor in and started the bike. The oil pressure sensor turned on after a few seconds. I revved it went on, on idle is came back on weekly. I turned the motor off.

Tomorrow I am travelling into the city where can pick up some parts. My list at this point is oilpan gasket (to drop the and check the screen/ pick up), and a new oil pressure sensor. Anything else I need/ can use to troubleshoot?

[bbelk]

Sorry Tim, for thinking you were MS.

(my first use of Smilies ever)

[Bamboo812]

That's plenty of oil pressure, HF brand or not. The sending unit should have had a crush washer and straight coarse threads like this: Make sure you get a new washer with the sending unit. Also, the pressure tester may have a tapered fine thread like most brake fittings like this: These two should not be interchanged or the case threads will be damaged.

[JJH]

I was pretty worried about the threads also, so I threaded the tester in by hand, it was very smooth and when it stopped I just barely snugged it up. The point about it leaking was not that I was worried that the tester didn't fit correctly, but more that even if the tester read incorrectly there seemed to be much more than the 3-5 psi that would light up the oil pressure light.

[JJH]

Well, I got hold of a oil pressure sensor and installed the unit. Went for a 5 mile ride, no light. Went for a 15 mile ride no light. I'm thinking it was a faulty sensor. Although the issue was stressful (for me) I did learn/ experience several things:
1. My oil filter shim/ filter/ gasket/ canister depth/ o-ring area is now correct
2: My first experience wrenching on my motorcycle
3. 1st visit to my local 120+ miles away, BMW dealership (the K1600 is larger than my Civic, and I think my R65 can fit in one of the panniers!)
4. BMW riders who use computers are very helpful

Anyway thanks for all the help

[Bamboo812]

Cool! I like cheap, easy fixes.