[SammichParade]

I'm on mobile (my laptop as well as my bike needs repair!) and having trouble searching the forums effectively, so I apologize if this topic had been covered.

1996 Shadow 1100 ACE ... Just pulled out of winter storage. I didn't get around to doing any winter storage preparation like drain the fuel tank or anything. I pretty much just got the bike running, did some checks, and rode to work. about two thirds the way through the ride, the oil indicator lit. I posted on forums and did some tests, cross my fingers hoping that it was just a false alarm (didn't have another way to get home), and rode home. The ride was fine apart from the indicator coming on 2/3 thru the ride again. It's about 6-7 miles (11km).

I changed the oil and oil filter. The next ride to work had no oil indicator, so I thought the problem was solved. On the ride home the indicator came back on, earlier in the ride. Obviously there's an issue other than a clogged filter.

Anyone else had this? What did you do?

I'm calling the shop tomorrow to at least get a pressure test done, so I can know whether it's a real pressure issue or a bad sensor issue.

Thanks

 

[smilie]

You didn't take good care of her and now she's returning the favor! Get a new sensor. If you didn't have oil pressure, you'd have known it in pretty short measure.

 

[SammichParade]

I've taken the best care I knew how... Got the bike a year ago so I'm still learning its issues.

But it's true I guess I shouldn't have ridden with the light coming on.

I will look into getting a new pressure switch. Thanks!

 

[SammichParade]

Oops it's a 1995 not 96

 

[swifty2014]

Check the wiring harness in the are to the oil pressure switch. If it is a one wire switch it grounds the light when the engine is off or no pressure. But if a wire has chaffed and is grounding as you ride it will turn the light on . Maybe near the exhaust ???

Did the engine sounds change when the light was on indicating low pressure ?

 

[Leathel]

Is it definitely your oil light, almost sounds like temp light coming on due to fan/sensor issue


But yes could be a faulty wire or sensor in the oil side of things

 

[SammichParade]

Swifty, I will double check the wiring if the shop can't take it in today.

 

[SammichParade]

Leathel, yes definitely oil. But it does sound temp related like you said.

 

[SammichParade]

Sorry for the messy posting. Back on my desktop at work now.

I appreciate your help, thanks guys!

Swifty... As far as engine sound... There has always been a high pitched, somewhat quiet "tweet" that my bike makes. One tweet with each cylinder fire... But usually only when I'm accelerating hard at a low-ish rpm. I always assumed it was something to do with the custom exhaust (it's a tapered 2-into-1 with no muffler). However, on the last ride, the "tweets" became somewhat constant as I neared home. So I started to wonder what causes the tweeting and if it is a mechanical issue.

I called the shop this morning, and they don't want to take my bike in, because it's a Honda and they are Yamaha/Polaris. I think I was talking to the mechanic.. It's weird because they serviced it once before to give me a new rear tire, but he seemed too apprehensive to want to even give me an oil pressure check.

The nearest Honda authorized shop is 30 miles away. I highly doubt I can find someone with a trailer willing to drive my bike out there and back. Also, they are the shop that put in too much oil and gave me a bogus "air filter approval" (turned out the filter was dirty enough to foul my plugs). I don't trust them. So it looks like I will have to figure this out myself.

Apart from examining the electrical side of things, Should I invest in an oil pressure gauge to test my pressure? I don't know where to begin for shopping for that. The kits look universal on Amazon.. but the tech I talked to felt like he wouldn't "have the right tools to hook into Honda's system." :roll:

 

[Harryc]

You can get an oil pressure tester at Harbor Freight. Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit

 

[SammichParade]

Great! Looks like a good one

I suppose I will order that, examine my wiring as meticulously as I can over the weekend.. maybe even do continuity testing on my pressure switch and the like... Test the pressure when the kit arrives, and report back.

thanks!

 

[thunderglass]

Could be the sending unit or could be the wiring. Could be the oil pump but that's less likley. If you want to be sure you have oil pressure you can measure it or you can remove the valve covers and see if you have oil pushed up to the top of the engine like it should be. Get a service book too.

 

[SammichParade]

Awesome. Thanks for the tip about valve covers! I'll definitely look into that. I do have a service manual btw... Not the real factory manual I don't think, but a Clymer's manual.. it seems pretty good.

I decided that instead of ordering a pressure test kit I will try to borrow one locally through the Freecycle page. If that doesn't turn up, I'll try the valve cover method if it's within my capability.

Edit: I will also check the sending unit while I look at wiring and pressure switch.

Edit2: A friend suggested I check the local auto parts store for a renter/loaner pressure gauge. I'll try that first.

 

[smilie]

You're peein' in the wind chasing a pressure testing kit. If you didn't have oil pressure, the top end would clatter like all hell and you couldn't miss it short of being deaf. Find your fault in the electrical system.

 

[trabb47]

In your original post you mentioned draining the fuel tank for winter storage. BIG NO NO. Keep it full and treated to avoid rust.

 

[7xclm]

Check the wiring and replace the oil pressure switch. If you lost pressure and kept riding the engine would sound like clothes drier running with a pipe wrench in side.

 

[swifty2014]

Probably the oil pressure switch failing. You could have the engine running and wiggle the wiring around the switch. See if the light blinks on and off.
The squeek sound maybe the exhaust gaskets leaking.

 

[SammichParade]

Very reassuring, glad to hear it thanks guys!

Trabb, thank you for the reminder. Brain fart. What I had in mind was draining the carbs (not the tank) and/or disassembling and cleaning them (which they need I think).

Glad to know a real oil pressure problem would have been impossible to miss. I certainly hope that never happens!

 

[SammichParade]

Ok I'm stumped.. How do I 1) locate, and 2) remove/test the oil pressure sending unit?

After googling around a bunch it sounds like they tend to go bad easily, are cheap to replace, and are difficult to remove. I still can't find any information on how to locate one. I'm sure there is something on YouTube but of course YouTube has stopped working on mobile for me :roll: Haven't found any mention of it in my manual, and it's not mentioned in the index. Any tips?

[EDIT] WHOA -- wait... Are the oil pressure switch and the "sending unit" the same thing?? I found the pressure switch... ok that would make sense.. jeez

 

[SammichParade]

So yes. Tips on removing the pressure sender would be greatly appreciated. It's mounted directly behind the kickstand bracket. None of my wrenches or pliers will fit in there. Are the guys who design this stuff sadists???