Oil Sensor Knackered.

[Fast Eddie]

Since the off I've had the oil light on constantly despite putting oil in, oil out, in out in out shake it all about.

I've come to the conclusion that the oil sensor is damaged due to being landed on. (Internet reveals that this is a delicate part on tt600/S4's).

If i have the right amount of oil in at the moment (by checking on dip stick) would it be safe to assume that the sensor is at fault? It seems a tad bent out of shape, but I have no idea of an easy way to test other than knowing the amount of oil in the system is correct.

[Stu]

It's an oil pressure switch so if the level is right the next thing to check is if the oil pump is actually working

If you don't have pressure then the light won't go out

I'm not sure if there is a way to check the switch either

[Fast Eddie]

Thanks, any idea of how to check the pump? It's going into the garage to get the brake master cylinder changed on wednesday (since I don't want the responsibility of bleeding it and getting it right) so I may get them to check even though it will cost a bit more.

[Tango]

I think the likelyhood is that the switch is damaged.......given the external damage to it. BUT.....and it's a big BUT.......if the pump did sustain some damage in your off running the bike without decent oil circulation will knack*r it for sure. Are you a gambling man? Unfortunately, until very recently I had a copy of the TT600/S4 Triumph workshop manual which may have had a method of testing it...but alas no more......not a lot of help to you really is it

Are the connections to it OK?

[mattycoops43]

Oil pressure switches are normally a pretty simple on/off affair, if you can get it out, you should be able to test if it is a make/break contact.

[Fast Eddie]

Cheers guys. I've obviously been using it as little as possible, the unavoidable to and from welder/garage has been about it.

I've deceided to get the sensor replaced in the hope it's that simple. If it's still lighting up then we can presume it's more serious.

[Stu]

I don't think it will be the oil pump if you have been using it as you would know about it by now!

[Tango]

The oil pump is buried in the engine....so you'd have to do something quite serious to break that I think. As well to replace the sensor though....coz you never know when it may save you from a knackered engine in the future....

[megawatt]

Good idea Bob. Replace sensor first and if still worried , remove sensor, fit an adaptor and pressure gauge in the hole and confirm good oil pressure from pump!

[Fast Eddie]

Good idea Bob. Replace sensor first and if still worried , remove sensor, fit an adaptor and pressure gauge in the hole and confirm good oil pressure from pump!

 

The sensor is turning up tomorrow so with garage on Thursday. The guy said he can test pressure in the mean time, however given I have had to ride it about 30 miles all in (home, welder, garage, home) i think if the pump was knackered it'd be dead by now.

I don't know how other bikes are laid out, but I'm thinking the damage even the initial standstill drop did and then this one that the s4 is possibly not laid out in the best possible way!

[megawatt]

Have you got crash mushrooms fitted?

[Fast Eddie]

Ok sensor definitely shot:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb305/Edviscostello/20120501_185532.jpg

Alan, No i haven't I'd been toying with the idea but the dealer said they wouldn't drill the fairing to fit (and I didn't want to either). Now they will be fitted, but I've seen stories that they can actually be worse in a crash if they catch on something. Great for drops though.

[megawatt]

They would have saved you a lot of agro with this off mate. 99% of drops are low speed anyway. My trackbike went down at 150mph, slid for 100yards on the crash mushroom and just scuffed the barend and clutch lever!!!

[Fast Eddie]

you're so right, but too late now! Would also mean i'd have gotten a decent price in September when i would have been looking to trade in. I think it'll be fixed up and kept as a track bike even if i do get a different one.

[Stu]

hmmm looking at that pic errr yeah the sensor is buggered

[Tango]

Yep...sensor definitely shot.....

I got a 2nd-hand set of R&G crash mushrooms for my S4 and fitted them. Had to drill the Radiator Cowl Fairings but it looked OK after. Gotta say I don't think that sensor on the S4 is in any worse position than most other bikes....you were just unlucky that it obviously hit something.....

[Fast Eddie]

looking at the diagrams on worldoftriumph I hope its part of the part i've ordered as I can't see it on any other diagram!

Tango, I've not had to find it on other bikes, but I don't remember seeing anything like that in that position either. I also stand behind the fact that attaching anything to the radiator (ie cowl or indicators) with a nice little lug that is easy to break off (and straight away puts a hole in radiator) is silly.

[Tango]

looking at the diagrams on worldoftriumph I hope its part of the part i've ordered as I can't see it on any other diagram!

Tango, I've not had to find it on other bikes, but I don't remember seeing anything like that in that position either. I also stand behind the fact that attaching anything to the radiator (ie cowl or indicators) with a nice little lug that is easy to break off (and straight away puts a hole in radiator) is silly.

 

That's true mate.......the rad is a bit exposed....but I guess that's what happens when you take a fully faired sports bike and remove all the fairings to make it into a naked street fighter.....

[rennie]

my oil light comes on randomly!

sometimes doesn't do it for months,

other times it's on almost constantly.

I'm almost sure it's an electrical fault, but

it is worrying riding along with the red light on