Am I starving my bearings?

[Doughboy66]

I am running an oil pressure gage on my trike and I have noticed when I stop hard or turn a corner fast the gauge will drop to 0 for a few seconds (which feels like an eternity). My case is full flow with an external oil filter and oil level is above the full level on the aftermarket dip stick. I am reluctant to put more oil in the case because I a have close to 3 quarts in it now. Any thoughts on what I should do?

I do pre-fill the oil filter so that is not included in the near 3 quarts of oil in the motor.

[grandpanystrom61]

That must be some hard stopping and cornering you are doing. The force cause the oil to shift in the case, when turning from side to side, and when stopping from level to front of engine. Both of these actions would move oil away from the pickup for the pump, those causing a low oil pressure reading.

Should it drop down to 0 and take a second or two to return....... that I can not answer, my mind says no it really should not happen, but we are not inside the case watching what the oil is doing during your turns or fast stops.

Interesting topic, will have to follow this out.

[peteg59]

Not sure if running the crankcase "overfilled" is a good thing, but the engine is not likely starving for oil.

Is the gauge electric or mechanical?

[Doughboy66]

The gauge is mechanical and to add to the dilemma I just pulled the screen and it looks like it is bent. The screen may not have gone on the pickup tube correctly when I installed it.

[peteg59]

Mechanical is typically more accurate so it could be pump related, maybe.

If the "0" reading is short in duration I don't think I'd be too worried, especially if it returns to normal afterward. Could also be the gage itself.

As long as the pickup tube is in oil, the filter screen being deformed/bent shouldn't affect oil pressure unless it is somehow blocking the pickup tube intake.

It would likely just allow "unfiltered" oil into the engine if not in its proper position/form.

[Doughboy66]

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I will add a sump to the motor to get the pick up lower and for my piece of mind.

[peteg59]

Adding a deep sump is a good idea just make sure to seal the sump to the crankcase well, as that is another potential oil leak source, (ask me how I know).

Also a good idea to epoxy the extended pickup tube that comes with the kit to the stock one, as the push fit connection could possibly separate under "spirited" driving.

[DeathBySnuSnu]

That does sound odd.

It should be somewhat difficult to do that.

So...is the pick up tube bent.....pushed upwards......loose in its press in bore...

[Doughboy66]

Pick up tube is firmly attached to the pickup hole and the nut is secure at the bottom of the case. the tube its self-looks in excellent condition