Oil light flickering.....
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Pluto
Oil light flickering.....
I have a 2000 RKC with about 47000 miles. During my ride tonight I noticed the oil light flickering on occassion - I got home and oil was down about a quarter of a quart so I added a little and took a ride - light still flickering so I immediately turned around and shut it off.
Two summers ago, about 15000 miles ago, the dealer replaced the cam shoes and cams (OEM) which he said came with the higher flow oil pump - so, I am thinking there shouldn't be an issue already with that service.
I also installed a Jagg oil cooler a year ago spring but the hoses and connections seem fine so I don't think that's affecting the oil pressure.
What order of checks and repairs would you do?
Two summers ago, about 15000 miles ago, the dealer replaced the cam shoes and cams (OEM) which he said came with the higher flow oil pump - so, I am thinking there shouldn't be an issue already with that service.
I also installed a Jagg oil cooler a year ago spring but the hoses and connections seem fine so I don't think that's affecting the oil pressure.
What order of checks and repairs would you do?
Last edited by jacknthebox; Jun 11, 2013 at 12:02 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Frederick, CO
replace oil psi sensor first, or varify it has oil pressure with gauge if can find a place to check it. those things do wear out. my sensor I had on my 11 lasted 8 months and the oil psi light was on and off.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,081
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From:
I have a 2000 RKC with about 47000 miles. During my ride tonight I noticed the oil light flickering on occassion - I got home and oil was down about a quarter of a quart so I added a little and took a ride - light still flickering so I immediately turned around and shut it off.
Two summers ago, about 15000 miles ago, the dealer replaced the cam shoes and cams (OEM) which he said came with the higher flow oil pump - so, I am thinking there shouldn't be an issue already with that service.
What order of checks and repairs would you do?
Two summers ago, about 15000 miles ago, the dealer replaced the cam shoes and cams (OEM) which he said came with the higher flow oil pump - so, I am thinking there shouldn't be an issue already with that service.
What order of checks and repairs would you do?
The addition of oil should have shut the light off.
Why were you low on oil to begin with? leak? mis-fill? low fill?
What does adding a little mean? did you measure the stick to full ?
If you filled it to full and light still flickered something is wrong.
The sensor could be faulty if oil is at FULL mark or unfortunately it could be worse.
How long since last oil change?
Consider removal and cut open of oil filter for stuff..bad stuff...i hope not.
Please review and get back.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
A quart of oil seems significant since yours probably holds a total of 4 quarts or a little less.
The addition of oil should have shut the light off.
Why were you low on oil to begin with? leak? mis-fill? low fill?
What does adding a little mean? did you measure the stick to full ?
If you filled it to full and light still flickered something is wrong.
The sensor could be faulty if oil is at FULL mark or unfortunately it could be worse.
How long since last oil change?
Consider removal and cut open of oil filter for stuff..bad stuff...i hope not.
Please review and get back.
The addition of oil should have shut the light off.
Why were you low on oil to begin with? leak? mis-fill? low fill?
What does adding a little mean? did you measure the stick to full ?
If you filled it to full and light still flickered something is wrong.
The sensor could be faulty if oil is at FULL mark or unfortunately it could be worse.
How long since last oil change?
Consider removal and cut open of oil filter for stuff..bad stuff...i hope not.
Please review and get back.
My last oil change was done when I put it away for storage and so far this spring I have put about 1000 -1200 miles on it - I planned on doing another change prior to my trip to Colorado in July (which might get cancelled if this costs me a lot) - but, I will pull the oil and filter and check for particles and hope for the best there.
I will update as I go to find this problem.
I am going to edit my post to say I also added an oil cooler last spring but as I check the hoses and connections all seems fine there.
Thanks for your advice.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
That oil level has nothing to do with low oil pressure. You would have to be much lower than that.
At that age and mileage the first and easiest way to check would be to simply buy a new oil pressure sensor, install and try it. It is the most likely suspect and easy to replace yourself.
If the light is still flickering with the new sensor then you have a low oil pressure (read major) problem and you will need to remove the sensor and attach a gauge. It means you're pulling the engine apart for repair. Remember, these engines don't have babbett bearings like most cars and low pressure means the engine is toast, they have roller bearings and the pressure is used simply to circulate the oil throughout the engine.
If you do find that there is indeed low pressure it's more than likely a pump problem.
At that age and mileage the first and easiest way to check would be to simply buy a new oil pressure sensor, install and try it. It is the most likely suspect and easy to replace yourself.
If the light is still flickering with the new sensor then you have a low oil pressure (read major) problem and you will need to remove the sensor and attach a gauge. It means you're pulling the engine apart for repair. Remember, these engines don't have babbett bearings like most cars and low pressure means the engine is toast, they have roller bearings and the pressure is used simply to circulate the oil throughout the engine.
If you do find that there is indeed low pressure it's more than likely a pump problem.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
That oil level has nothing to do with low oil pressure. You would have to be much lower than that.
At that age and mileage the first and easiest way to check would be to simply buy a new oil pressure sensor, install and try it. It is the most likely suspect and easy to replace yourself.
If the light is still flickering with the new sensor then you have a low oil pressure (read major) problem and you will need to remove the sensor and attach a gauge. It means you're pulling the engine apart for repair. Remember, these engines don't have babbett bearings like most cars and low pressure means the engine is toast, they have roller bearings and the pressure is used simply to circulate the oil throughout the engine.
If you do find that there is indeed low pressure it's more than likely a pump problem.
At that age and mileage the first and easiest way to check would be to simply buy a new oil pressure sensor, install and try it. It is the most likely suspect and easy to replace yourself.
If the light is still flickering with the new sensor then you have a low oil pressure (read major) problem and you will need to remove the sensor and attach a gauge. It means you're pulling the engine apart for repair. Remember, these engines don't have babbett bearings like most cars and low pressure means the engine is toast, they have roller bearings and the pressure is used simply to circulate the oil throughout the engine.
If you do find that there is indeed low pressure it's more than likely a pump problem.
Also, the bike is running fantastic - if it was an oil pressure problem would there be signs of a rough running engine or something physical about the way the bike runs? I am hoping because it is running great that it means it is likely just the sensor.
Thanks again.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
Thanks DC - I will start with replacing that sensor....got a question though - I've been looking through the manual and I can not find info about the oil pressure sensor and the part book lists it in the index but it's not on the page referenced UNLESS it is also called oil pressure sending unit? Can you help me here?
Also, the bike is running fantastic - if it was an oil pressure problem would there be signs of a rough running engine or something physical about the way the bike runs? I am hoping because it is running great that it means it is likely just the sensor.
Thanks again.
Also, the bike is running fantastic - if it was an oil pressure problem would there be signs of a rough running engine or something physical about the way the bike runs? I am hoping because it is running great that it means it is likely just the sensor.
Thanks again.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 369
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From: Hoisington Ks
Had this same problem on the 02 FLHPI last year, was told I had a bad sending unit and replaced it. Same problem.
Pulled cam chest apart, everything was good, no wear on oil pump gears or cams. Replace oil sending unit w mechanical gauge a rode it for 2 months. 20psi running in town, 40psi when on the throttle,(this is when I was getting oil light flickering). Replaced gauge with another new oil sending unit. Same thing, light flickering. I know I have a broken/chaffed wire going to the sensor. Sensor has 12v lead going to it. When no oil pressure it grounds in the sensor completing the circuit and light comes on. Wire going to sensor is shorting to ground at a bend or crack in insulation will do the same thing.
Mine still flickers sometimes, but I know I have good oil pressure. Keep an eye on it, light will come on if there is a real problem.
Comfirm oil pressure with a gauge, if it's good don't worry about it.
IF you locate where the wire is chaffed or cracked, let me know! I haven't found mine yet, and it's been two years.
Dan B.
Central Ks.
Pulled cam chest apart, everything was good, no wear on oil pump gears or cams. Replace oil sending unit w mechanical gauge a rode it for 2 months. 20psi running in town, 40psi when on the throttle,(this is when I was getting oil light flickering). Replaced gauge with another new oil sending unit. Same thing, light flickering. I know I have a broken/chaffed wire going to the sensor. Sensor has 12v lead going to it. When no oil pressure it grounds in the sensor completing the circuit and light comes on. Wire going to sensor is shorting to ground at a bend or crack in insulation will do the same thing.
Mine still flickers sometimes, but I know I have good oil pressure. Keep an eye on it, light will come on if there is a real problem.
Comfirm oil pressure with a gauge, if it's good don't worry about it.
IF you locate where the wire is chaffed or cracked, let me know! I haven't found mine yet, and it's been two years.
Dan B.
Central Ks.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
Had this same problem on the 02 FLHPI last year, was told I had a bad sending unit and replaced it. Same problem.
Pulled cam chest apart, everything was good, no wear on oil pump gears or cams. Replace oil sending unit w mechanical gauge a rode it for 2 months. 20psi running in town, 40psi when on the throttle,(this is when I was getting oil light flickering). Replaced gauge with another new oil sending unit. Same thing, light flickering. I know I have a broken/chaffed wire going to the sensor. Sensor has 12v lead going to it. When no oil pressure it grounds in the sensor completing the circuit and light comes on. Wire going to sensor is shorting to ground at a bend or crack in insulation will do the same thing.
Mine still flickers sometimes, but I know I have good oil pressure. Keep an eye on it, light will come on if there is a real problem.
Comfirm oil pressure with a gauge, if it's good don't worry about it.
IF you locate where the wire is chaffed or cracked, let me know! I haven't found mine yet, and it's been two years.
Dan B.
Central Ks.
Pulled cam chest apart, everything was good, no wear on oil pump gears or cams. Replace oil sending unit w mechanical gauge a rode it for 2 months. 20psi running in town, 40psi when on the throttle,(this is when I was getting oil light flickering). Replaced gauge with another new oil sending unit. Same thing, light flickering. I know I have a broken/chaffed wire going to the sensor. Sensor has 12v lead going to it. When no oil pressure it grounds in the sensor completing the circuit and light comes on. Wire going to sensor is shorting to ground at a bend or crack in insulation will do the same thing.
Mine still flickers sometimes, but I know I have good oil pressure. Keep an eye on it, light will come on if there is a real problem.
Comfirm oil pressure with a gauge, if it's good don't worry about it.
IF you locate where the wire is chaffed or cracked, let me know! I haven't found mine yet, and it's been two years.
Dan B.
Central Ks.