Oil Pressure Warning Light Problem

[NS3230]

Riding to and from work in Chichester was fairly wet last Monday, with a few floods (no more than a foot deep)being negotiated. About ten mile into return trip and couple of mile after last of these floods said oil light came on. I parked bike on side stand for 10 mins, followed by similar time on centre-stand, in pouring rain before checking the level glass which showed oil to its mid point.
Then remembered a similar problem on return trip from N.E.France couple of months back which I had put down to my imagination due to exhaustion after nine hours on the bike.
Wondered whether this random electrical anomaly has been experienced by others on here.
Should add that when oil level re-checked following morning it was again at mid point of sight glass and that both of these occasions had been preceded by especially heavy rainfall.
All views and related experiences appreciated.
ps. Mine is a 2000 year bike with 50k mileage, with 10k in my ownership of 10 months.
Cheers, Neal aka NS3230

 

[Packer]

When my 03 1150 was new I got all proud and washed it. used a pressure washer, oil light came on. The dealer checked it and just told me to go easy on the PW. Maybe the rubber cover on yours is perished and leaking although flood water that deep may just get in anyway.

>70,000 miles later mine runs like a watch.

 

[west coast traveller]

I would try checking connections at the switch. If that doesn't work replace the sensor-cheap job to do. Just make sure you have a socket deep enough to fit over the sensor .

 

[littleredrooster]

Well-known problem - when the switch gets wet, it can cause the oil light to come on. A good clean around the switch terminal area and liberal applications of WD40 usually effects a cure.

 

[Steptoe]

If the oil pressure is low enough for the light to come on this would also be accompanied by some unusual engine noises

Seeing you don't mention any noises i'd suggest it's just the usual switch problem.

 

[davegs]

Light

Pull the cable off the switch, start the engine if it stays on it will be a short in the cable. Happend to me on my 1150 that was on the bit that runs below the cylinder under the retaining plate, pulled the cable out taped it up and eureka no more probs. Theory it can be the same on an 1100.

 

[denny]

Erm, whereabouts is the switch?

 

[Steptoe]

Erm, whereabouts is the switch?

Just up a little and to the right of the oil sight window.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Erm, whereabouts is the switch?

Aprox 3cm rear and up from the oil level sight glass. Standard junior type connector similar to those on the injectors. Only one wire used, the switch providing the switched earth path to put the light on. If water has ingressed into the connector then the water will be providing a resistive path to earth and giving a false indication. A good indicator might be that the oil pressure light is not at it's full brightness, but this is subjective.

 

[denny]

Thank you sirs

Off on Saturday for a 2 week jaunt along the Black Sea into Georgia & back, a route infamous for its continuous downpours (and flash floods!) so this might come in handy

 

[NS3230]

THANKS TO YOU ALL

Have just been out to check condition of connectors and it looks pretty good... Apart from the total absence of Any form of rubber boot or cover. Don't know how long it's been like this but from your suggestion I think I've found the answer to my problem. Thanks again for the invaluable advice.

 

[Steptoe]

... Apart from the total absence of Any form of rubber boot or cover. Don't know how long it's been like this but from your suggestion I think I've found the answer to my problem. .

They don't have any rubber boot or cover.

Only the 2003 onwards models have a different switch with a proper plastic push/snap fit. The pre 2003 models make do with a bare spade end

 

[B4ndit]

Yep mines just bare connectors.

For the price just buy a new switch and see how that goes.

 

[NS3230]

Thanks again for the advice. New switch now ordered as I find the intermittent Red Light of Doom rather distressing when it unpredictably appears!

 

[NS3230]

Following earlier advice new oil pressure switch now purchased and awaiting fitment.
Wondered what sort of torque this should be tightened to as no figure yet found, or is it not critical?
Once again advice from the knowledgeable would be appreciated.
Thanks in adance

 

[Ian J Hartley]

30 Nm

 

[NS3230]

'a suitable sealant'

Evening Gents,
Latest instalment in the GS Mechanics for numpties section... Now have read the Haynes manual and switch ready to replace to be met by "Apply a suitable sealant to the switch thread"... The only sealant I know of is Loctite. Is this what I need to use and if so how should I safely remove the existing switch?
Once again thanks in anticipation.
Neal aka NS3230

 

[warmshed]

I think loctite make a thread sealant for items like this, I know it was the recommended sealant for the oil switch on a mini. They do several types together with a lock and seal. The sealant is known as Loctite 577, the lock and seal , loctite 243. The latter is the more commonly used. If it does not come undone easily dont use too much force, like most thread adhesives it releases with a bit of heat.

 

[davegs]

Oil switch

All it needs is a bit of gasket cement hermatite or similar don't over do it as it has to make contact with the crankcase for an earth connection in order to work. I've never used anything and always been ok.
dave GS

 

[Keith Chapman]

I have never used a sealant on any oil pressure switch I have fitted on any vehicle, never had one leak.