Oil cooler adapters

I installed an oil cooler using adapters from Z1 Enterprises on my KZ900. Everything went on smoothly, started bike and took it for a test ride. The oil pressure light started acting weird. Would come on then go out, I turned it off checked the wire all was good. Started bike up and noticed the oil light didn't come on at all. A few seconds down the road it came then back off. I know there is no problem with the oil system, I just overhauled the engine and had verified oil pressure at first start so I just rode it home.
Turned out that the bypass adapters are coated with something and not getting a good ground. Since the switch relies on a good ground to operate it caused the light to act funny.
The coating used is all over the adapter inside and out. I sanded the coating off from inside the housing where the switch disc rests on and the top of a bolt hole. I confirmed it had a good ground, put it all together and now the oil pressure light operates like normal.
So if you're going to use these remember to confirm you have good grounds.

I was just looking for an oil cooler online. Great minds think alike... Thank you for the technical advise....

So your thoughts on 3/8” vs 1/2” lines and fittings??? My ‘78 1000 B2has3/8” with a Derale cooler and have not experienced any issues. Oil light goes out immediately after startup.

I am also in the process of adding a cooler, I'm using the same adapter on my KZ1000. I knew that anodized surfaces are not very conductive, but didn't think it would be an issue here. thanks for the post.

In my case it wasn't the adapter, it was a worn out switch.
Steve
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/610110-z1-kz-...essure-switch#798993

I've always used 3/8" transmission hose with fuel injection clamps ..
I originally thought it was the switch but I have 5 of them and they all did the same thing.

the tapped holes on the adapter are 1/4" did you drill and tap them bigger for 3/8"? I thought about doing that but it didnt seem like there was enough meat there.

It's 1/4 NPT. It is confusing. You can get 3/8 barbed and I got 1/2" barbed fittings so there wouldn't be any restriction in oil flow.
Steve.

Glad you asked that Doc. I went out and took a second look and realized I'm using 5/16" hose not 3 /8" . Getting old sucks can't even remember simple shit any more.

I have always set up my oil coolers on my bikes with Earl's AN-8 braided steel hose and fittings. I just measured the I.D. of the fittings and it is 3/8's.

I believe the cooler adapters I have on my Superbike right now came from Lockhart/Phillips back in the early 80's.

Never had any faith in rubber cooler lines since I watched a street race and the one guy burst a rubber line on the big end. He fell in his own oil, and slid into a telephone pole. He didn't make it.

Earl's Supply AN-8 hole ends.
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I.D. photo of Earl's Supply hose end.