Recently bought a 2011 limited, Saturday we rode into NY City to visit our son. Lots of traffic, of course very hot, but oil pressure dropped, got concerned pulled over shut it off. It would not start again, left it sit for 20-30 minutes then it started. Went for visit rode home, about 120 miles, ran fine pressure mid point on guage. Questions: 1. Should pressure drop all the way when in traffic? 2. Is this normal behavior for an Ulta, I have had a Sportster since 2000, never had this, of course my metrics never did this.

Thanks

 

I noticed the same thing on mine a few weeks ago when I rode into Pittsburgh. 2 lanes going into 1, and then a few lights in the construction zones on 19/McKnight Rd. I wasn't stopped a long time so I never had to shut it down, but my oil pressure fluctuated like that too. Was pretty low, but went back up. I'll be watching this one.

 

At idle the pressure should be around 5 - 9 psi. These bikes have low PSI but high volume oil pumps.

 

Exactly why I prefer not to have any gauges, it makes me obsess. You'll know when there's no oil getting to the parts, you will hear a dry knock that's unmistakable. If you hear a dry knock when the pressure is very low then start to worry.

 

Yeah I heard that unmistaken knock, I don't think I had even a1or 2 on the gauge.

 

Yes it's normal, but that doesn't mean it's acceptable. (not for me, anyway) Are you running synthetic oil? It's formulated to run at higher temperatures before the oil starts breaking down for those times that your engine is running HOT! You already have an oil cooler but there are options to improve upon it, too. You may want to check into a cooling fan for the cooler. Also, there's a gentleman on here that sells lower temp thermostats for the HD coolers, they work really well and are not that expensive. http://www.wardspartswerks.com/ This will get you started because, if you're really serious about keeping it cool, Jason also sells engine cooling fans that work fantastic at keeping temps under control. I'm sure there are other methods to keep the temps down but these are the ones that came readily to mind.

 

Sounds like you got some good suggestions! hope you get it figured out!

 

on the low PSI issue....I added a pressure relief valve mod to my cam plate which improved my pressure at idle

 

Engine Idle Temperature Management System turned on? That's what it sounds like

 

Thanks for the ideas, thoughts answers, I wonder what the dealer will tell me, should be interesting because I am sure there will be an excuse.