Oil light

[GS Biker]

I was riding along as I normally do but then on Saturday the oil light came on. Pulled to the side of the road, switched off, could not see oil being lost around the engine & filter and the dip stick had a full reading. Gave it 5 min, re-started and all seemed fine. Few hours later riding home, the light came on again. Repeated the process mentioned above. Light went off.

Anyone have a clue/theory as to why it mis-behaving?

 

[v8legend]

My best guess would be that this is the hottest weather your bike has seen, and the oil is getting hot and thin thus lowering the oil pressure. Check the oil cooler/rad isn't clogged or blocked. I'd try pressure washing from behind. If that doesn't work, change the oil.

 

[Dave Ett]

Is the oil meant to be checked hot or cold? If cold, reading full at hot means it's lost some - burned it probably.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Very true dave.

Hope it isn't more than a niggling issue Rick. Hope to see you @Ripley bud.

 

[Ducksbane]

Read this thread ... http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571809

It's now established beyond any reasonable doubt that this will probably be caused by an obstruction in the fan. The electrical system detects that abnormal draw from the fan from a short or obstruction. The bike may not be overheating, but it has tried to start the fan and it hasn't worked. If you are going slowly overheating may follow. So ... check that your fan is free and working.

It may also be oil pressure, but it really sounds like the classic obstructed fan.

 

[GS Biker]

Is the oil meant to be checked hot or cold? If cold, reading full at hot means it's lost some - burned it probably.

True, True but I checked to see if there was any in there, just in-case I guess.

Very true dave.

Hope it isn't more than a niggling issue Rick. Hope to see you @Ripley bud.

I think I may have sorted it out thanks to another good man on this here site (read below)! More than likely going to see you up at Ripley. Maybe meet you somewhere and ride up in convoy? Will also check with Greg and see if he wants to join the ride up.

Read this thread ... http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571809

It's now established beyond any reasonable doubt that this will probably be caused by an obstruction in the fan. The electrical system detects that abnormal draw from the fan from a short or obstruction. The bike may not be overheating, but it has tried to start the fan and it hasn't worked. If you are going slowly overheating may follow. So ... check that your fan is free and working.

It may also be oil pressure, but it really sounds like the classic obstructed fan.

Cheers for this. After reading your post, I went and did a little inspection. Found the fan to be caked in crap (mostly road spray debris from winter I’m guessing). It did not want to spin at first but I rotated the fan (by hand) back and forth eventually freeing the fan until it spun a couple times when I gave it a flick. Seems fine now. So thank you for the advice, appreciated!

 

[Greggers]

Ahhh - Ripley ....

Now, I'm planning on riding up with a mate on Friday afternoon, then meeting somewhere (maybe) with one of the guys from Haynes.

What's everybody else's plan? If it's a timing issue, maybe we could organise a central meeting point?

G

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Looks like I'm able to do friday + saturday.

Meet at mine near Southam & mossy on up from whenever on Friday??!

 

[v8legend]

My best guess would be that this is the hottest weather your bike has seen, and the oil is getting hot and thin thus lowering the oil pressure. Check the oil cooler/rad isn't clogged or blocked. I'd try pressure washing from behind. If that doesn't work, change the oil.

So, I wasn't too far out then? Morale is. If you clean your bike properly, then there'll be no issues.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

You were are correct v8legend +1

Checked my fan & it turns fairly freely but my bike also got extremely hot when this was been discussed. I shall keep an eye on it, might even paint a white dot in it so I can see it spinning from the side housing.

For god sake don't check my bike for cleanness its a work horse

 

[v8legend]

You were are correct v8legend +1

Checked my fan & it turns fairly freely but my bike also got extremely hot when this was been discussed. I shall keep an eye on it, might even paint a white dot in it so I can see it spinning from the side housing.

For god sake don't check my bike for cleanness its a work horse

Don't you just spray it a new colour when it gets dirty?

 

[GS Biker]

Few days later and the oil light has not come on....great. So must have been the fan, once again, many thanks.

Regarding Ripley, can meet anyone on route? How about somewhere in London or the M1 if it’s easier. Paddy, meet you a little further up?

 

[Popell]

Few days later and the oil light has not come on....great. So must have been the fan, once again, many thanks.

Regarding Ripley, can meet anyone on route? How about somewhere in London or the M1 if it’s easier. Paddy, meet you a little further up?

Whats occurring at Ripley? (and which Ripley is it?)

 

[GS Biker]

Check this link out;

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/UK2009.php

Looks really cool, I got my weekend pass from the madam, just booked and paid. Maybe see you there Popell?

 

[Popell]

Not sure if busy..

..but will try to see you there, regards

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Rick we need a new thread bud, if it turns into a convoy. Might aswell linkup at m1 jun16, rather than mine(PM).