Oil warning light flickering - any info?

[Carolanski]

Hi guys,

stuck in really heavy traffic today uphill on 1150GS and two-up, the clutch was smelling bad - but know that is common issue, however the oil warning light kept flickering on and off.

Pulled the bike over and let it cool down for a few minutes, Bike has just been serviced and there seemed to be plenty of oil. Started it up and it seemed ok again and then ran fine.

Any ideas? Is it a potential problem we need to get checked out (we're off to Spain next Sunday so will have to get it looked at sharpish if so) or is it a common problem that letting the bike cool down will solve - it doesn't like the traffic much!!

Any help appreciated

C

 

[Vendome 41]

Puy 50p in the meter

 

[jimbo]

most likely is a faulty oil pressure sensor, but I would get it checked. If you have low oil pressure then thats bad!

 

[Steptoe]

, Bike has just been serviced and there seemed to be plenty of oil.

The light isn't an oil level warning light. it's a low oil pressure warning.

Was it filled with 20/50 oil when it was serviced.

 

[Carolanski]

The light isn't an oil level warning light. it's a low oil pressure warning.

Was it filled with 20/50 oil when it was serviced.

Hi Steptoe,

Just checked service sheet from BMW dealer - used Castrol GPS 10/40

 

[Steptoe]

Hi Steptoe,

Just checked service sheet from BMW dealer - used Castrol GPS 10/40

BMW dealers have been advised by BMW to use 20/50 in the R series engines. It's thicker, ideal in the hot weather you'll get in spain ( hopefully ). It's also what the GS handbook recommends for the temperature range.

They've most probably used 10/40 oil, because thats what they've bought in bulk.

 

[Carolanski]

The bike is a 2002 model and has approx. 6000 miles on the clock. It was running on mineral oil, but when it was serviced they changed to a semi-synthetic, will this have made any difference?

If we switch to a 20/50 oil, should we get a mineral or semi/synthetic?

Is this oil situation likely to be the problem or could it be anything more serious?

 

[Big Lad]

BMW sell their own brand 20/50 oil. SBW sell it by the litre.

 

[Steptoe]

Is this oil situation likely to be the problem or could it be anything more serious?

It's hard to say - But BMW changed the specs of the oil pressure switch in late 2002, to a higher pressure. So it doesn't light up so easily when the engine is hot and worry the rider.

So working on the same principles, you can always just unplug the switch if it comes on. Problem solved.

 

[Carolanski]

It's hard to say - But BMW changed the specs of the oil pressure switch in late 2002, to a higher pressure. So it doesn't light up so easily when the engine is hot and worry the rider.

So working on the same principles, you can always just unplug the switch if it comes on. Problem solved.

Hi there

Got new oil pressure switch from BMW and changed it - ran the engine till hot and light still came flickering on. As soon as you give it the tiniest bit of throttle the light goes out - but am really stressing about it. BMW dealer in Bristol can't take a look and check actual pressure until Friday, nearest dealers in Stroud and Oxford can't take it till after we're back from hols. If it is something more serious don't really want it to seize on Spanish motorway two-up plus luggage!!!

Topped oil right up and tried it again this lunchtime - no change.

Any other help much appreciated - at this rate will be checking out flight prices or hiring a bike!!

Cheers

 

[Big Lad]

Just a thought, it's not the battery light is it?. Are you positive it's the oil pressure light>

 

[Timbo]

I had the same thing through London a while a ago - a really s***s you up I know. Started it from cold in the evening and it was fine. Got it home and wacked 300ml in. Way over the top of the sight glass. Didn't do it again...

 

[GlynnJ]

Mine did exactly the same thing today after filtering through 8 miles of stationary traffic on the M6. It has done it before and I have now stopped worying about it

For the record, mine's a 2002 model (30,000 miles), now running on 10/40 mineral oil after having been on semi-synth since new.

GJ

 

[Carolanski]

Thanks Guys

I'm feeling slightly less worried - just hoping we don't come across too much traffic on Spanish A roads!

Carol