$1000 O-ring

[davidpdx]

I was changing my oil last weekend and thinking about the $1000 o-ring or is it up to $2000 now. If you didn't get your oil filter installed correctly, won't your oil pressure light stay on when you started your bike? You might still do damage but it seems like you would at least know something was wrong or would you still have pressure but the oil just not get where it is needed? The stuff you think about while sitting in the driveway.  

[montmil]

You'll still have oil pressure. If the filter is somehow clogged or not flowing completely or whatever, there is a bypass that will keep oil going into the pricey bits. It just won't be filtered.

[Luca]

Oil is pumped into the "canister," through the filter from the outside in, and then into the rest of the engine.  The bypass valve will allow oil to flow to the rest of the engine if the filter is clogged.

The o-ring, however, seals the "canister" to the engine case.  If it isn't there or if it gets cut, the canister will not hold oil pressure and force the oil through the filter/bypass.  Instead, the oil gets pumped right back into the oil pan.

[Barry]

The oil pressure light is set at a very low pressure something in the region of 5 -7 psi  so if it ever comes on with the engine running even at idle there is a problem most probably due to filter installation that needs immediate investigation.  

Even with a new filter it's normal for the bypass valve to operate every time you start the engine as cold oil pressure is very high.  The only thing to worry about with the bypass valve is a broken spring.  When you are doing an oil change with the filter out it's good practice to look down the filter tube at the bypass valve and give the ball a prod with  something to check it moves freely and springs back into position.

[georgesgiralt]

And if you have a chance, when renewing the timing chain, change the valve relief spring which is on the front main bearing support.
35+ years of good service is enough to get retirement...

[mrclubike]

I don't think he is asking about a clogged filter
He is wondering if there is any symptoms to a miss installed "O"ring  
The Filter By Pass valve  has nothing to do with the O ring failure
I cant speak from experience about this situation but from what I understand is that If the O ring fails to seal your oil pressure will drop and the oil will start going back into the oil pan WITH OUT  being circulated into the lubrication system of the engine.
I would think you would at least get a oil light on at idle after warm up but it depends how bad it is letting oil back to the oil pan.
So short answer  I think is
" Yes the oil pressure light will come on as soon as the O ring fails".
problem is it may fail at highway speed and you may not notice it is on until it is to late and engine damage has occurred  before you shut down.
But i do know that some engines can run a lot longer than you think with out oil in them (zero oil presure)
Don't ask me how i know this  

 I only use Mahle filters and hardware   in my Air head.
If it were a spin on filter  it wouldn't  be a big deal.
But I think this set up is just to criticle  to mess with cheaper filters
I tried a WIX filter which is highly regarded in the USA but  the O ring was black and the gasket was thicker than the OEM one.
So  didn't use it.  

[Barry]

I tried a WIX filter which is highly regarded in the USA but  the O ring was black and the gasket was thicker than the OEM one.
So  didn't use it.

I've noticed black O rings being supplied and although they are the correct dimensions I suspect the shore rating is wrong as they are just cheap standard 70 durometer O rings rather than the correct softer white O ring. They would work but you'd have to be even more careful with the compression calculations. I have to say I was disappointed with Motobins supplying a cheap black O ring and didn't use it.  Getting airhead filters correctly installed is bad enough without suppliers cheaping out on the O rings.

Right from the start I've always measured both the O ring thickness and  gasket thickness to use in compression calculations as I found neither were exactly the nominal size. 3.8mm for the O ring and 0.55 mm for the gasket in my case. I have never replaced the gasket as it has no function other than a spacer. In fact the gasket would be better if it had a deliberate leak or tell tell gap in it as that would be one way of indicating that the O ring wasn't sealing.

If I had to use a black O ring I would definitely modify the target compression range towards the minimum amount or there would be a risk of moving the filter tube further in.

One method of checking before risking damage is to assemble the cover/gasket/O ring/shim without the filter installed. That way any resistance is due to the O ring alone and not due to the end seals on the filter.  If the cover is reluctant to tighten up flush then it's time to think again on the calcs. Conversely if the cover tightens up flush too easily you have insufficient compression on the O ring and also need to think again.  May seem crazy that you have to resort to feel as well as all the measurements but I recommend doing it at least once.

[montmil]

Here's an excellent source for proper Airhead oil filters and individual white o-rings, shims, gaskets, crush washers... all at excellent pricing. It's the only place I shop for my Airhead's oily needs.

http://www.beemerboneyard.com/airheadbikes.html

[montmil]

I was changing my oil last weekend and thinking about the $1000 o-ring or is it up to $2000 now. If you didn't get your oil filter installed correctly... 

David's original question was about oil filters and any potential issues with the filter and loss of pressure. The o-ring comment, as he said, was the trigger that lead him to the filter concern and his posted question.