[Harley Hill]

I have an 01 Road King with 82,000 miles on it. I run synthetic 20-50w oil. Shortly after the last oil change my oil pressure light began to flicker at times, not always and not at idle. I asked the guy at the parts counter about it and he suggested the oil pump might be worn.
Does this sound like the likely cause?

[2fastnaz]

It could be the cause, but I think I'd look at replacing the sending unit first.

[CD]

There have been quite a few issues with oil pumps. Before replacing anything, verify the oil pressure. It is easy to do and will give you a starting point for troubleshooting.

It is pretty easy to make a test rig to check the oil pressure. The sending unit is located on the front of crankcase just inboard of the cam cover. It is connected to via a short pipe fitting. Remove the sending unit and fitting so you have access to the hole. I seemed to remember it being 3/8" fitting but take the pipe with you. I purchased a male to male pipe fitting and a 3/8 to 1/4" pipe reducer. I used a 1/4" pipe to #3 AN fitting (like brake lines) and used a short piece of universal brake line I had I added a 0-80 PSI gauge like they use to test water pressure to it. Assemble all of the fittings and use teflon tape to help seal. Install the fitting into the crankcase but do NOT overtighten unless you want to buy a new crankcase. Being pipe thread and teflon sealed a little torque goes a long way. Add the line and gauge you are set.

Now you can test your pressure easily and all your friends will borrow it. You can also add a T fitting to verify the switch operation.

https://www.directparts.com/static/articles/twincam.htm

[Harley Hill]

Thanks for the advise, I'm going to check the pressure before I replace anything.
Thanks again.

[CD]

Oh and BTW, I would be surprised to hear that the pump was worn out.

[Harley Hill]

I didn't think the oil pump should be bad either. The top end seems to be making more noise now, or at least I'm listening harder for any strange sounds now. Could lifters make the oil pressure drop? If the oil pressure does turn out to be low when I check it, does that necessarily mean the pump is bad? Couldn't a break down somewhere else cause a loss of pressure?

[00 wildglide]

I may be wrong but I've seen the same condition occur with an 00" FXD & it in fact turned out to be the oil pump cavitating/sucking air instead of oil.Is your motor equipped with different cams???,ever taken apart for inner cam bearing replacement???.I installed the FEULING SUPER PUMP in my 00 wideglide when I replaced the cams & have had no problems.The local dealer has told me that H-D changed the oil pump for 02' -on up...don't know if thats true or not.As recommended;checking the oil psi. sounds like a good place to start.