leaky oil pressure sensor

[Clutch]

Recently I noticed that I'm having some oil leak from around the rubber seal where the oil pressure sensor enters the motor. I haven't done any research on how to replace it yet, but it seems like it would be a pretty simple fix. Anyone have any input about this?

[Bob_Roller]

The best I can remember, there is an aluminum washer under the oil pressure switch not an o-ring or gasket .

Similar to the metal washers that go under the fill and drain plugs on the engine, transmissiom and final drive .

[Justin B.]

The switch is also a notorious leaker...

[Runninn1]

Simple fix...takes all of 5 minutes...I spent years with a leaking one ...onto the left boot before making the simple fix.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

The oil pressure switch is readily available from most of the common purveyors of BMW parts, just shop around.  I chose to purchase the NAPA equivalent.  Here is a link to some alternative sources for BMW consumable spares.  http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207573
While I've never had any issues with mine, the oil pressure switch is a critical component in that you really need to know if there is a problem with the oil pump immediately.  Be guided accordingly.

[montmil]

When using a non-OEM OP switch on the Airhead, confirm the psi rating for the automotive-style unit you're purchasing. Many auto OP switches are designed to "make the circuit" around 16 psi. The Airhead switch has an approximate trigger at 3 psi.  

[Barry]

It seems to be hard to pin down what the original pressure switch setting was. I've seen a range of figures and recall some of the guru's saying 7 psi.  

Whatever it really was I would think the damage is done by the time the pressure dropped to something like 3 psi so I would see this as an opportunity to have the switch warn me a little earlier and go for something closer to 16 psi. At hot idle the oil pressure should be more than that. Even if it came on under extreme conditions at least it would be telling you something useful that you could react to. Like it's time to stop now and it's not already too late.

I'm spoilt by having a proper oil pressure gauge in my 23 year old Merc which never drops below 1.5 bar even at 750 rpm idle. The old adage for cars was that miniumum oil pressure should be 10 psi per 1000 rpm.  I think an airhead oil pump should easily double that.