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!
Helge Crnic
Good information on a problem that causes much frustration – and many broken timing covers (trying to fit a tappered one in e non tappered cover). But there is another problem that is not mentioned. The timing cover of all these models look the same, and if it has been changed (often due to just this misfitment) it does not necessarily mean the timing cover is correct for year of the bike. And if it has a nut in place of the sender and one want one installed there is nothing to compare with. In my case it is evenworse, as I like to custom build my unit 650 Triumphs and often the engine is a mix of used parts bought on Ebay, and yes i have cracked e few timing covers (and so have my mate that is experienced builder and racer of Triumphs). Is there a way to tell the different covers apart other than trying to make the sender screwed in? I have to ask as often the senders does not go more than half way in even after trying both a straight one and a tappered one…. Regards Helge (from Norway)
Gene
Any chance you have one for a 1973 Norton 850 commando Roadster
Classic British Spares
Thank you to all the readers
Classic British Spares
@Martyn – thanks!
Classic British Spares
@Victor – probably not