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  • #1

    Oil warning question

    1982 XJ 1100. Before every ride I check my oil level on the center stand, and I try to keep it near the upper mark. When the bike is first started cold the the LCD screen goes through its routine and I get no oil warning. However after about 2 mintues of riding, the oil warning appears. After another several minutes of riding it goes away, and stays out. I've checked the oil level many times when it does this and it's always fine. It happens every time I start the engine cold, but never when warm.

    Is this an issue with getting the engine up to temperature? Or maybe a bad sensor? Thanks for any advice.

    Scott
    82 XJ11
    Tags: None
  • #2
    The XJ uses a oil LEVEL sensor rather than the oil pressure sensor of the XS. My guess would be that since the oil is cold it might be that the oil gets low in the pan at first before it has time to fully circulate since it moves slower. Once the oil warms up it circulates fast enough that it doesnt get low in the pan then.
    Nathan
    KD9ARL

    μολὼν λαβέ

    1978 XS1100E
    K&N Filter
    #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
    OEM Exhaust
    ATK Fork Brace
    LED Dash lights
    Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters
    Green Monster Coils
    SS Brake Lines
    Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

    In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

    Theodore Roosevelt

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    • #3
      I'd try pulling the sensor and cleaning it; it may have some 'sludge' inside it that doesn't thin out until the bike gets warm.
      Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

      '78E original owner - resto project
      '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
      '82 XJ rebuild project
      '80SG restified, red SOLD
      '79F parts...
      '81H more parts...

      Other current bikes:
      '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
      '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
      '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
      Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
      Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

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      • #4
        My Maxim will do the same thing if the oil level is at the half way mark or lower. I believe that when the oil is thick it returns to the pan slower and the sensor records a low level warning. As soon as mine warms up this does not happen. I just top up to the full line to stop the nuisance warning light.
        1100 Maxim (daily rider)

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        • #5
          Where exactly is the sensor?

          Thanks for all the replies.

          Scott
          82 XJ11

          Comment

          • #6
            It's about in the center of the oil pan (front to back) and towards the left side of the bike IIRC. Here is what it looks like...
            [IMG][/IMG]
            I took out the two bolts and expected it to slide out of the hole easy, NOT!!
            It has a good size O-ring around it where it seats into the pan and it fits tight.
            I had to work a small screw driver under the ears where it bolts to get it started and then pry gently while twisting it easy with channel locks. The motor was out of the bike at the time which I'm sure made it easier for me to remove the sensor. While you're at it, you may want to put a dab of RTV around where the wires go up into the sensor...mine was always seeping a bit of oil there and that cured it, not sure if anyone else ever had that issue.

            Somebody with more knowledge than me can give thumbs up or down to this other idea...would running a bit of Sea Foam in the oil clean the sludge out of the sensor without hurting bearings, etc? Might save the hassle of trying to remove the sensor?
            Billy

            1982 XJ1100, Ceramic Coated Headers, Raptor ACCT, Barnett Clutch Springs, Dremmel Fix, TC's Fuse Block, De-Linked S/S Brake Lines, 850 Final Drive, Yahman's YICS Eliminator, Pods, stock jets

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            • #7
              You CAN add about a cup of SeaFoam to the oil when cold, start the bike on the center stand and let it warm up for about 5 minutes WITH A FAN BLOWING OVER THE ENGINE. Shut it down, wait another five minutes and then do a full oil and filter. This will help with some of the build up of sludge, and keep the oil looking cleaner for a little longer.
              The RTV on the wires seems like a good idea to me.
              Ray Matteis
              KE6NHG
              XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
              XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

              Comment

              • #8
                Thanks all again, I'll take a look at the sensor tomorrow.

                Scott
                82 XJ11

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