KTM 350 is the perfect dirt bike you can invest in today. It is lighter than the 450 yet more potent than the 250. It is the ideal machine that will enable you to explore the unbeaten trails in the forest.
Like every other machine that you might have, the KTM 350 has its own share of issues. A rather unique problem is the oil pump failure. We are going to explore the symptoms you should look out for to know whether you got an oil pump failure problem. We are also going to look into ways you can fix the problem.
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Oil pump failure problem
Thousands of bikers own the KTM 350 model. Though a large percentage of these bikers have had no issues with their bikes, a few owners have come forward with the oil pump failure complaint. The complaint mainly revolves around the oil jets being clogged.
Some bikers complain of low oil pump pressure, which then makes oil delivery poor. This can lead to, among other issues, engine damage. The clogging of the oil jets leads to overheating, which then leads to the melting of the plastic breather.
Symptoms of oil pump failure in KTM 350
Several symptoms will help you know whether you got an oil pump failure issue, and they include the following issues
1. Engine overheating. As highlighted above, in a KTM 350, the increase in temperature tends to melt the plastic breather. This can lead to damage to other parts of the engine as well.
2. The low oil pressure warning light will come on. Some of the reasons that cause this light to come on include:
- Viscosity of oil
- Having a weak oil pressure valve. Debris can cause the valve to stay open hence creating low oil pressure.
- An obstructed oil filter. The filter is supposed to filter debris. If a lot of debris is accumulated, the flow of oil is obstructed and hence low oil pressure.
- Low oil level
- A dirty oil pump
3. Oil pump noise. Although KTMs are generally noisy, low oil pressure noise should be easy to pick, especially when you combine it with low oil pressure warning light.
4. There will be valve/train noise.
How to fix the KTM 35 Oil pump failure problem
Use the manufacturer's recommended oil and do a regular oil change as recommended. Also, change the oil filter after it has served the recommended miles. Fill the oil to the recommended level. Also, check whether the oil pump is dirty and if so have it cleaned.
If the engine is heating up, check whether the oil jets are blocked by debris. Unfortunately, some new KTM 350 owners report their bikes developing low-pressure problems. In some cases, small metal shavings usually found in almost every high-mileage engine flow through the system, eventually getting caught in the oil jets. Because the oil pump is unable to push such objects through the jets, the oil jets end up becoming clogged.
This leads to the engine overheating, which then makes the weak plastic breather melt, and this creates more debris. Some bikers have reported having flushed out the engine and increasing the diameter of the oil jets. KTM has not yet indicated whether this is a manufacturing fault or not.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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