Board logo

R1 Oil Light , Help wanted
Lurch88 - 3/4/08 at 09:24 AM

OK
So the sun was shining yesterday and I re-taxed my 1999 engine R1 Powered Mk from the 1st April so out for the first run of the year.
I’m toodaling along at 40-45 in a straight line when the oil light comes on.
Stopped engine immediately , jumped out checked oil level ,no obvious signs of leak anywhere.
Get back in, start engine , everything fine again.
Drive on three or four miles taking it very gently , light comes on again
This time turned engine off but didn’t stop the car , restarted engine as I was coasting along oil light goes out again.
Drive home about 5-6 miles with no problem.
As I understand it the oil light is only connected too the oil level or water temperature Since the engine was relatively cool about 75deg .The oil level was fine and I wasn’t screaming around corners applying Gee force to the oil level.
Any one got any other ideas as why the oil light comes on “in level flight”?

nitram38 - 3/4/08 at 09:53 AM

That is why I am running with a capilary oil pressure gauge and I am also going to fit a pressure switch for my bright6 gauge.
I like lights that tell me what is actually going on!

Lurch88 - 3/4/08 at 09:54 AM

Do you think its worth fitting a oil pressure sensor?

nitram38 - 3/4/08 at 12:10 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Lurch88
Do you think its worth fitting a oil pressure sensor?


When I used to race cars, it was the most important piece of engine equipment.
Gauges are ok for giving you feedback about your engine condition, but a red light catches the eye very quickly and may enable you to save an engine.
When I raced imps, the engine oil pressure used to drop towards the end of the race and the light used to glow, giving me the warning that it was getting too hot.

I know the oil pressure should be 32.5 psi @5000 rpm, but does anyone know what the pressure should be at idle?
I want to fit a race oil pressure switch @ 25 psi, but I don't want the light on at idle.

[Edited on 3/4/2008 by nitram38]

progers - 3/4/08 at 12:43 PM

I agree the oil pressure is the most important indicator you can have, especially when racing....

Nitram - 25psi will be too high a threshold. many bike engines struggle to do much more than 10psi at idle so you will definitely see a warning light at idle. What you ideally want is an intelligent warning that gives you an indication that oil pressure is below XXpsi when revs are above a certain threshold. Some digital dashes have this capability e.g digidash2.

- Paul

nitram38 - 3/4/08 at 12:48 PM

Too late for that as I already have my dash sorted.
It either looks like I must put up with the light at low revs or fit a standard switch