Triumphrat

Wombat · 11-19-2009, 02:34 AM

Noted today that the oil pressure light on my TBS did not come on with the ignition.
I did the usual checks and determined that the switch is faulty (not the bulb).

Does anyone know if there is a generic replacement for this switch that may be more easily available and cheaper than the OEM item?

Wombat · 11-21-2009, 12:00 AM

Well the damn thing started working again and then it stopped again and then it started working again.

I think I will give it an oil change over the weekend and see if it might flush some gunk out of it.

IrlMike · 11-21-2009, 06:00 AM

I'd think most items from an auto parts store would work so long as the thread size matches up. I'm guessing, but I doubt there's much variation in the pressure these things switch at for most engines. Surely most engines' shell type bearings (& that's most engines) require much the same pressure & the oil pressure warning switch isn't likely to be a very nuanced device?

lovecuba · 11-21-2009, 09:22 PM

Tried all the local auto parts/electrical shops for an oil pressure sender unit after mine started displaying the same symtoms. Not one of them could match the thread.

IrlMike · 11-22-2009, 08:49 AM

A bit tangential to the topic....

Is an oil pressure switch really useful? With the quality of modern engineering I've wondered if these switches have much value these days? I tend to think that an engine will show symptoms of wear long before the oil pressure system packs up. A few weeks ago, in very heavy rain, my warning light came on. Throttled off & looked as best I could to see if I had a trail of oil behind - even tho' I'm sure I'd feel a major oil loss hitting the rear wheel. Everything seemed normal otherwise, so I carried on. When things dried out a bit, the light went back out. (I checked the wire route over the back of the engine, seemed ok.)

What do others think on this?

Wombat · 11-22-2009, 11:43 AM

Mike,
you are probably correct in what you say about showing some signs prior, but these are called idiot lights for a reason.
Many people would not know a sign if you hit them over the head with it.

IrlMike · 11-22-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wombat

Mike,
you are probably correct in what you say about showing some signs prior, but these are called idiot lights for a reason.
Many people would not know a sign if you hit them over the head with it.

Probably right Bob lol

Bbogie · 11-22-2009, 12:06 PM

After being in a heavy rain, my oil light came on and stayed on. I checked the level, couldn't hear any new noises, so I rode it. Bought a new switch, but the old one started working after it dried for a few days. I thought about making an adapter to fit a generic switch, but the OEM wasn't quite THAT expensive.