Flickering Oil Light on 1100

[Bikergary]

Though the oil level looks fine (well right upto the top), on occasions, esspecially after a longinsh run when it's cold, the oil light starts to flicker on tick over. A quick blip and the light goes out... untill it goes back to ideal.

Not been near water this week (we it was cleaned at the weekend) and it only does it at ideal.

A while ago I did top up the oil with different to what was all ready in there, would that have made a difference? (original fully Synth, new was semi)

Any ideas? is it just a faulty light or something more seriouse?

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

What miles are on engine?

I would use GTX 20/50 with new filter, don't overfill and see the result.

 

[cookie]

i'd clean the connection to the sender, and if that didn't work, change the sender.

 

[littleredrooster]

....and don't forget: The oil light is NOT a level light. It is a low-pressure light.

 

[Gecko]

Yup - for peace of mind I change the sender. they are very cheap and it is a simple unscrew and replace job. I had similar symptoms after a river crossing last summer but when it dreid out all was well again.

 

[Bikergary]

....and don't forget: The oil light is NOT a level light. It is a low-pressure light.

thats what I was concerned about, it only happenes at tick over, and i was worried that there wasn't enough oil pressure to pump the oil around everywhere.
Though it's not an Oil level indicator, doesn't the amount of oil effect the pressure??


Well it's cominog upto my next "5,000 mile service" so will change the oil then, in the mean time will change the sender

 

[John Armstrong]

Though it's not an Oil level indicator, doesn't the amount of oil effect the pressure??

Yes, if you have no oil, there'll be no pressure!. It doesn't take much oil to produce pressure, I'd guess enough to be circulating from the pump outlet back to the inlet

That's why you can't rely on the pressure gauge as a contents gauge either.

 

[Bikergary]

Well changed the Oil (10/40 in the end) and the switch, and fault no gone,

Though obviously by doing both, don't know which was the fault, but engine does seem to run smoother.

Unfortunatly couldn't get Oil Filter out at all and didn't want to use the "Screwdriver through the filter and twist" method as if it failed i would be stranded. So now need to work out how to remove my (probably over tightened) oil filter by next service.

 

[John Armstrong]

Why not get your local bike shop to do it? If they fail they'll at least have the tools etc to try and retrieve the situation. Premier Bikes in Didcot have ex BM fixers IIRC, YMMV no connection, never used them etc etc.

 

[Bikergary]

I know the guys there, will have a chat with them a bit later.
Must say I was thinking about spoiler her on her 70,000 mile Service next time and get a Garage Service

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Oil filter tool less than a tenner, worth getting....

 

[Bikergary]

Oil filter tool less than a tenner, worth getting....

I have one, dish shaped, fits's over the end, but won't grip and slips. and being re-sessed, can't use a chain type either.

 

[cookie]

and being re-sessed, can't use a chain type either.

...and banging a screwdriver through it would be awkward too

 

[Steptoe]

I have one, dish shaped, fits's over the end, but won't grip and slips. and being re-sessed, can't use a chain type either.

Wrap some sandpaper or course wet and dry around the inside of the removal tool, hit it onto the filter, and undo

 

[grandtrousers]

Flickering oil light..........

............yeah thats an accurate description of the headlamp - get some brighter bulbs fitted

 

[Pukmeister]

Wrap some sandpaper or course wet and dry around the inside of the removal tool, hit it onto the filter, and undo

Genius, pure genius.

 

[Bikergary]

Wrap some sandpaper or course wet and dry around the inside of the removal tool, hit it onto the filter, and undo

Wow, I didn't think of that I'll give that a try