I had the oil pressure warning light come on (V50ii 1979). The bike was running well but I pulled over, let it cool, checked the oil level which was about a third the way between min & max levels. When I re-started it the oil light went straight out but it did come on again after around 20 miles.
The bike has only done around 1000 miles since it’s last service (18,000 from new) which included oil and filter. It is leaking oil from both base gaskets but very little, the level on the dip stick has barely dropped over 1000 miles.
I’ve come up with a plan and was wondering whether there’s anything else I should consider.
Drain the oil, remove the sump and check the strainer is clear and there’s nothing unusual (bit of gasket or sealant etc). Replace the filter. Replace the top end gaskets including pushrod o rings. Replace the oil pressure switch. Refill with oil. Finally & most importantly, enjoy a cold beer while admiring my 70’s Italian classic.
Does that seem like a reasonable plan? Have I missed anything? Is there a common fault that could be causing the oil pressure warning?
A one word reply was all thats needed but the forum demands that I use at least ten characters so here we are. Personally I think this rule is unnecessary and my three letters were sufficient. Right, that should be over ten characters now.
That’s interesting Nik. Is somebody making those specially to avoid having to use the original camshaft locator? IMO that’s a good price too as I’ve recently had need to query Gutsibits for the camshaft locator and a s/h one came in at £15 plus P&P. The downside, of course, is that when the pressure switch gives up and you don’t have a locator, you need to find another one like that.
Why would the oil pressure sensor locate on the camshaft? I’ve only really worked on Jap bikes before and on those, it just screws in to a thread which comes out of an oil way somewhere after the pump. I removed the sensor from my V50 to check what type it is and theres nothing on it that could locate in the camshaft. On he link below, it’s part ELA19670
Your oil pressure switch is mounted on top of a post, yes?
Parts 23 and 24 are the camshaft collars. Just behind them is the snap ring that holds them together on the camshaft. Directly above and next to the number 25 is the post that your oil pressure switch goes into. At the base of the post you should be able to see the taper that locates into a hole in the camshaft collars to prevent the fore-and-aft movement. The post goes through the locating tab which you should have on your bike, although I have seen V50s with no locating tab and it doesn’t seem to have bothered them.
On my 750T, it’s just a matter of disconnecting the lead, unscrewing the old switch, screwing in and tightening the new switch, then reconnecting the lead. The main thing is to not turn the engine at all while the old switch is out, under any circumstances.
Well, I say ‘just’. The real issue is access. On my bike I removed the tank, right hand side panel, and disconnected the RH carb from engine stub and airbox. I also loosened the airbox mounts so I could move it upward and sideways a little. Only then could I actually get a spanner on the old switch and lift it out.
Guess i should have read the original post properly!
The V35 I and V50 I/II use a ‘normal’ Oil Pressure Switch (17768750) with the Adaptor for locating the Camshaft whilst the V50 III, V65, Lario etc use the Oil Pressure Switch (19768720) with the built in Camshaft location. I guess it was done to lower production costs???
I do have a couple of s/h adaptors if any body needs one!
Gutsibits have the Monza marked as using it too, but I’m going to stick my neck out here and say that’s probably not completely accurate. My guess follows.
With the release of the V65 Guzzi switched to a single-row timing chain right across the V35 - V65 range (and eventually the V75 too). Prior to that the Monza definitely had the oil pressure switch on the spigot - I know because I used to look after one. Combine that with Nik’s info and it’s most likely that the Monza switched to the new style of oil pressure switch with the release of the V65. It wouldn’t surprise me if the V50-3 has also followed the same course.
Well I replaced the switch and all seems well (apart from the leaking base gaskets). The oil light comes on with the ignition and goes out almost immediately when the engine starts.
- also need 10 emojis which is strange as they comprise 2 characters each