Topic: Low Oil Pressure light on, but oil sloshing under tappet covers

[drackett_19]

I know this is a common problem and I searched around the site and read some threads, but couldn't really find a solution. My bike is a 75 cb550 with about 13K miles on it. Near the end of last year's riding season the low oil pressure light would come on if I was riding around in the city for a while.  So this spring I set the timing and installed a Dyna S ignition system. I also put in full synthetic 20w-50 oil. The light hadn't come on since so I figured timing was the problem.

Today I was rippin around town for about a half hour and my oil light started coming on anywhere under 2K rpm's. I kept the rpm's up and got it home as quick as I could.

Once back in the garage I pulled a tappet cover and started up the bike for a couple seconds, oil was sloshing around and the oil pressure light was still on. Should I be worried about this?

Any help is appreciated.

I'm gonna look into getting a new oil pressure switch, but it could take a while to get one ordered in.

[bwaller]

Sounds like the switch all right.

[City Boy]

Pressure switch is likely culpret but pressure should be checked with gauge for peace of mind.   Rock On

[drackett_19]

Pressure switch is likely culpret but pressure should be checked with gauge for peace of mind.

good call. I might give that a shot.

I found an old thread that 'hapsh' wrote talking about using a Honda Prelude pressure switch. I wasn't really sure what year prelude worked so I guessed and went with a 1995. It fit fine, I just need to take the bike out tomorrow in the sun and see if I run into the same problem. The dude at the parts store checked the specs on the switch and said it is set to go on at about 7psi.

Is that similar to what the stock switch would be? 

[muscle_car1]

So replacing your switch worked? Mine started to come on under 2500rpm today and i was mortified something broke.

[tonycb650]

I think the stock switch comes on at 5 psi.

[drackett_19]

totally missed the reply's to this one, sorry there so late. I've been running the bike all year with the Prelude oil pressure light and it seems to be working fine. The light has yet to come on though, so I don't know if the light isn't functioning or I have good oil pressure. I'm going to assume the latter, because after some long summer rides there is still plenty of sloshing in the tappets and the bike continues to run like a raped ape.

[bender01]

The light comes on when you turn the key on before starting right? If so id think its good. How much was the switch? I bought the honda CB one for @ $35.

[drackett_19]

yeah it comes on when i start the key, i just hope it'll come on if my pressure drops too. but i can't see why it wouldn't.

IIRC it was about $18 at auto parts plus.