Buyers Guide: Oil Pressure Sending Units
Today I wanted to share with you a complete buyers guide for those looking to replace & install a new oil pressure sending unit
If you own a late mode Triumph or BSA (single, twin or triple) I recommend sticking around as we will dig deep into oil pressure sending units
FYI - not all oil pressure sending units are the same, in fact, original parts books show conflicting and questionable information, regardless of the info provided below, always check your specific timing cover / crankcase to identify what YOUR motorcycle takes..
Let’s dive in
What is an oil pressure sending unit?
An oil pressure sending unit threads into an engines cavity that monitors “minimum” oil pressure
Oil pressure is measured inline with the oil flow within your engine
Each oil pressure sending unit is calibrated at a different PSI rating depending on application and what the manufacturer recommends
The opposite end of an oil pressure sending unit usually has a spade to allow a low oil pressure “warning light” to be fitted to your motorcycle (engine acts as the ground)
Choosing the right oil pressure sending unit & identification
Most BSA & Triumph motorcycles from approx 1969 and later featured a sending unit with a few exceptions which include different models, thread specifications & PSI rating
Even though most sending units look and function the same, they are simply not
There are 2 basic thread forms used for oil pressure sending units that you should be aware of (NPS & NPT)
Before 1969 there was also a 3rd form on early Triumph models (before they were fitted with an oil pressure sending unit) that was CEI (Cycle Engineers Institute)
Lets cover each one below..
Early 1/8" X 27 (NPT)
The photo above is the NPT thread form - notice a slight taper
*NPT stands for "National Pipe Thread"
Late 1/8" X 27 (NPS)
The photo above is the NPS thread form - notice the straight thread form and shoulder before the threads..
*NPS stands for "National Pipe Straight"
Plug 3/8" X 26 (CEI)
The photo above is the CEI thread form - notice the straight thread form
The CEI variation was used simply as a "plug" with a 26 TPI
*The best way to figure out which unit you need is to identify your timing cover threads by using a thread pitch gauge and caliper - if you have the original unit, identify the thread pitch and if the threads are straight or tapered
Post 1968 Chart
Below is a chart that showcases all the applications, part numbers and sending unit thread specifications assuming your bike has the original timing cover...
| Make | Model | Year(s) | Thread Specification | Part # |
| Triumph | (All) 500 Twins | 1969-1974 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 |
| Triumph | (All) 650 Twins | 1969-1972 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 |
| Triumph | (All) 750 Twins | 1973-1986 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 |
| Triumph | (All) 250 Singles | 1969-1973 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 |
| Triumph | (All) 750 Triples | 1969-1976 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 |
| BSA | (All) Unit Singles | 1969-1973 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 |
| BSA | (All)Triples | 1969-1973 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 19-6508 / 60-3719 |
| BSA | (All) 500 & 650 Twins | 1970-72 | 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 19-6508 / 60-3719 |
Pre-1969 Chart
For models 1968 and earlier, most models were not fitted with an oil pressure sending unit, however most timing covers that have threads (usually plugged) can be used to adapt an oil pressure gauge for checking purposes
| Make | Model | Year(s) | Thread Specification | Part # |
| Triumph | 500 Pre-Unit Twins / 650 Pre-Unit & Unit Twins | To 1967 | 3/8" X 26 | 70-2615 / E2615 |
| Triumph | (Some) 500 Twins | 1966/67 | 3/8" X 26 | 70-2615 / E2615 |
| Triumph | (All) 650 Twins | 1968 Only | 1/8" X 27 (NPT) | 60-2133 |
| Triumph | Trident | 1968 Only | 1/8" X 27 (NPT) | 60-1943 (60-2133) |
| BSA | (All) Unit Singles | 1968 Only | 1/8" X 27 (NPT) | 19-6504 / 60-2133 |
| BSA | (All) 500 & 650 Twins | 1969 Only | 1/8" X 27 (NPT) | 19-6504 / 60-2133 |
| BSA | Rocket III / A75 | 1968 Only | 1/8" X 27 (NPT) | 19-6504 / 60-2133 |
Ordering
Alright, hopefully with the info above you have figured out which oil pressure sending you need based off application, year and model
Today we stock both early (1/8" X 27 NPT) and late (1/8" X 27 NPS) oil pressure sending units - we also have the 3/8" X 26 CEI early plugs too
To place a new order, please visit the table below and tap on "Click Here" to place an order
*Please be aware that timing covers get swapped around over the years, if you didn’t purchase the bike new I highly recommend measuring your timing cover BEFORE you order a sending unit
| Part Type | Part # | Link |
| (1968 Only) 1/8" X 27 (NPT) | 60-2133 / D2133 / 19- | Click Here |
| (1969 & On) 1/8" X 27 (NPS) | 60-3719 / D3719 | Click Here |
| (Pre-1969 - Some Triumph) 3/8" X 26 CEI | 70-2615 / E2615 | Click Here |
Thanks for reading todays post
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Should you have any questions, please drop us a comment using the comment section below
Ride safe!
Lapin
I thought that was going to be about making the difference between the ones that leak, the ones that never indicate low pressure even when they should, the ones that always indicate low pressure even when they should not, and the very rare ones that just work and don’t leak.
brent
Early in the article you make mention to various pressures that the switches trip at. Could you give us a list or an expected typical switch on pressure level?? Thanks again for another great article.
D Guenther
What about older models? I have a ’56 650 BSA Golden Flash (A10). Can a unit be installed somewhere?
Also have a ’58 RE super Meteor 700 twin, same question. Thank,
victor
are both triumph and BSA for 1970 have the same pressure?
Rick Rahm
Just completed the oil pressure switch area repair.1973 T160 Triumph. I found a plug for one and a replacement for the other. Both leaked through the plastic switch. Already have an oil pressure gauge installed in the front of the engine. No more leaks and the gauge works great. Tku.