XJ1100 Oil Level Switch

[shutchis]

How do you fix a low level oil switch problem on an '82 XJ1100?

My oil light comes on after riding a half mile. Then stays on for approx. 3 miles and then goes off (and stays off). It will also go off if I allow the engine to idle.

This seems strange. I pulled the switch from the oil pan; played with the float. It looks okay, so I have to believe it's a oil drainage problem. I'm running 15W-40 Mobil DELVAC oil.

So, Has anyone ever solved this mystery? I looked at several posts and know its systematic, but never saw a solution. Thanks

P.S. I live in the Houston,TX area where we ride all year. Sorry Snow Bunnies! Have a nice Christmas. Stan

[John]

I would recommend cleaning the oil float with some carb spray, or brake cleaner the next time you have the switch out. I really don't think that drain back is your problem.

[shutchis]

I cleaned the oil float with spray cleaner, No joy. I'm pretty handy with MC's, but this things got me stumped. Any other idea?

[Hepcat]

Check me on this one, but I think I remember reading that the XJ's had a float/level switch as well as a pressure switch. Could that be the switch that's giving problems?

[shutchis]

For the XJ1100J, a wiring schematic and a list of electrical componets only show an oil level switch . I guess I could "short" the switch and verify. Easy thing to try. Or maybe connect my ohm meter directly to the switch and watch it go through the close-open-close cycle. Still pondering this problem...something to think about over coffee.

Any other things to try?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Shutchis,

Like Hepcat, I was wondering about the "other" sensor, the pressure switch, I can't remember them NOT having it, and can't believe they'd remove it in favor of just a LEVEL switch vs. a pressure switch for the XJ? On top of the engine case, just below the carbs, just behind the cylinder heads, there could/should be a device protruding from the case, round in shape, and a wire coming off of it. It should look like it's attached, screwed into an oil gallery. That would be the oil pressure switch. If faulty, OR if too low oil pressure, it can close=ground and activate the oil light!?

I worked on a couple of XJ's a few years ago for their tranny, I remember the oil level sensor on the bottom of the pan, but don't remember seeing the pressure switch on the top....I was busy working on the bottom! . I just checked the Online Parts fiche, and they don't show an oil pressure sensor?
Good Luck! T.C.