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Oil pressure light

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:31 pm
by Nookiebear
As some of you might know, two weeks ago I did a full service on my 11s and rode it for about 7 miles straight after with no issue.
Now after all this snow and bad weather I decided today to take the cover off and take it for a good ride to scrub the new tyres and pads in and recharge the battery, before I go into hospital on Tuesday for my knee replacement (the old girl will have to sit unloved for a while and have the good lady start her every week).
Anyway I started her no problem and let her warm up for approx 15 mins and then set off, only to find about 200yards down the road the oil pressure light came on and refused to go out. I did about another mile and turned round and came home. Put her on the centre stand and checked the oil level after switching the engine off.
The oil is about 1/3 the way up the sight glass and there is no oil leak where she has sat. So I am perplexed why the oil pressure light has come on.
Any ideas really appreciated.

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:38 pm
by gus
Have a look at the wire coming off it. Give it a clean and recheck. Usuallyjust a bad connection.
Gus

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 2:50 pm
by bigblackfalco
Ditto the wire connection or a failed switch ... not uncommon for them to fail and cheap to replace.

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:05 pm
by Nookiebear
Just tested the switch, it is opening fine it's just earthing constantly, so I know the engine is not going to blow up. So that means it must be the wire connecting it, so I will get a new one made up.
Thanks for the guidance, saved me from worrying too much and will be pence to rectify.
What I did notice is the person who had it before me must of had a side stand switch fault as I found he had just cut the wires to the switch in the stand. Amazing what you find when you really dig into the depths of someone's old bike. So now I will be looking for a new sidestand switch, and I am afraid I will not be buying one very soon as Sherlocks sell them for a staggering price of £98.40 plus postage....ouch. Just have to remember to put the side stand up before I ride off :D

Re: Oil pressure light

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 4:10 pm
by GRAgusta
Nookiebear wrote: (the old girl will have to sit unloved for a while and have the good lady start her every week).
When I was working away from home my good lady rolled the covers off the bikes and started the engines to let them warm through. But she didn't fully remove the curtain whcih was covering the R1100S. The cover contacted the header pipe and went on fire :shock: The garden hose was nearby and she put the fire out.

Just thought it worth pointing out as a useful lesson learned for someone not used to being responsible for your bike.

Good luck with the surgery.

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 2:18 am
by Neil178
At first I wondered if it was because you had the engine ticking over for so long before riding it. There is no need to do this. Just start it and ride it!
I must confess that I'm surprised that the oil light came on and you just carried on running the engine.
If you don't use the light as a warning of impending doom then just take the bulb out.

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:36 am
by Nookiebear
Well I had stopped and checked the oil sight glass and saw no oil in there so I knew the oil pump was working and I wasn't in danger of the engine going boom. :lol:

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 4:55 pm
by Stanley
Good luck with the knee. Full replacement? These seem to be getting better all the time. Keep up the rehab afterwards!

Why start the bike up every week though?
No need. Just adds a load of extra cold starts to its wear. It'll be fine until Spring; and you'll be right then too :D

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 5:18 pm
by Blackal
Nookiebear wrote:Well I had stopped and checked the oil sight glass and saw no oil in there so I knew the oil pump was working and I wasn't in danger of the engine going boom. :lol:
Good thinking.............. :wink:

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:04 am
by tomodan
I had exactly the same on mine, turned out to be where the loom had rubbed against the battery tray and the oil pressure sender wire had shorted.

Such a simple thing, such a massive pain in the arse to get to!

Good luck

Tom