Oil Light

[lancelot455]

I'm having a problem with my oil light coming on then going off again after a few seconds on my XJ1100. Did it 3 times today in about an hour. Checked the oil and its fine. Any chance this could be a oil pump problem? Has anyone had this problem before.

[SFerinTEXAS]

After about 800 miles on my "per the book oil change" this occurred. The site glass on center stand showed about mid level still. Added a little more still staying below the hi mark on glass and it stopped.

[CatatonicBug]

Remember that the XJ's oil light is for level, not pressure. As SFer mentioned, it may just want more oil in the pan to satisfy the sensor. A little more won't hurt anything.

[ManagerMike]

A little more won't hurt anything.

Just so long as it is not overfilled. You don't want to get the oil level to such a height that the crankshaft is bathed in it, as it will churn and froth the oil which is then pumped through the engine. And, as we all should agree, air does not make a very good engine lubricant

[lancelot455]

After about 800 miles on my "per the book oil change" this occurred. The site glass on center stand showed about mid level still. Added a little more still staying below the hi mark on glass and it stopped.

Thanks so much i will add some and go for a ride tomorrow. The season is almost done here and i will be parking it next weekend. Going to put duel exhaust on over the winter and a windscreen too and she's getting a new paint job.

[SFerinTEXAS]

Pull that battery and keep it warm. And maintained.

[Cobia]

My XJ used to do the same thing until I discovered it really likes the oil level to be at the top of the range in the sight glass. Once I filled it all the way, the oil light warnings went away.

[Jerry]

This is a common happening on XJs. The oil level sensor sits inside the crankcase, and has a series of small holes in it that allow oil to flow in and out of the sensor's tube. Those small holes can get partially plugged over the years. Generally not a problem in hot weather, but in colder weather with thicker oil at start-up the oil can't flow in and out of the sensor as it should, and the sensor reports an incorrect reading. Sensor has been discontinued by Yamaha, BTW.

Fix is to drain the oil, remove the 1 wire goiing to the sensor, remove the 2 bolts that hold the sensor in place and remove it. Clean with a mild parts / carb cleaner solution and reinstall. Once the holes and sensor turbe are clean the erroneous readings should go away.

[old_chopper]

Is the XS light triggered by pressure?

[lancelot455]

This is a common happening on XJs. The oil level sensor sits inside the crankcase, and has a series of small holes in it that allow oil to flow in and out of the sensor's tube. Those small holes can get partially plugged over the years. Generally not a problem in hot weather, but in colder weather with thicker oil at start-up the oil can't flow in and out of the sensor as it should, and the sensor reports an incorrect reading. Sensor has been discontinued by Yamaha, BTW.

Fix is to drain the oil, remove the 1 wire goiing to the sensor, remove the 2 bolts that hold the sensor in place and remove it. Clean with a mild parts / carb cleaner solution and reinstall. Once the holes and sensor turbe are clean the erroneous readings should go away.

Thanks. I will try that.

[crazy steve]

Is the XS light triggered by pressure?

Yes.... it's conventional pressure switch.