dropping oil level / pressure

[R.S.]

'82 XJ1100
weird symptom
changed the oil and filter
cup spring washer filter all in the correct order

pre filled the filter with oil

now gets a check oil indicator when revving about 4 or 5 k,

indicator goes away if I drop the revs' sometimes, but it's getting progressively worse like something is clogging up.

any ideas?

[bikerphil]

I recall it being said that the XJ oil level sensor is a bit finicky and the oil level must be filled to the upper line on the sight glass (bike on centerstand). IIRC, the level sensor can be removed from the oil pan and cleaned for correct operation. There is no oil pressure sensor on the XJ11, just oil level.

[R.S.]

thanks!
so.. I wonder why this is happening only after I changed the filter and not before...

what could cause the engine oil level to drop at higher revs and then refill slowly at idle, its like its pulling it all in, but not letting it go back to the sump

[bikerphil]

thanks!
so.. I wonder why this is happening only after I changed the filter and not before...

what could cause the engine oil level to drop at higher revs and then refill slowly at idle, its like its pulling it all in, but not letting it go back to the sump

Maybe now you are getting better flow with the new filter. The oil pump is sucking more oil from the pan at a faster rate with the higher RPM's. It is pumped thru the engine at a faster rate than it can drain back down into the pan so the sensor reads it as low on oil. Next time you drain the pan, try cleaning the gunk off the sensor. Supposedly that will help. I don't own an XJ but I have worked on a few.

[cywelchjr]

And oil level in the sump dropping with RPM is normal. As the oil flows up to the head and bearing area faster, and then has to run back down, it takes longer to get back down, and has to build up a certain amount of back flow before it can keep up. This is why one member was concerned that his project bike would have the oil disappear from the oil site glass when running, and then come back when shut off.

PS, it's not totally a fixed rate that it flows back down, but it does have to build up more at the top to increase the flow, meaning at higher flow rates more is pooling up in the head and valve area.

[rombat]

On my 1100 Maxim the oil level light will come on with the oil midway(or less) between the sight glass marks. This is most noticeable when the bike is cold(thick oil) and the rpm comes up.