flickering oil warning light

[bedlow1]

What happens is on idle or low revs the oil light flickers. Rev it up and it goes out, but even then it occasionally comes on when riding along.

Allways been a problem on my Z1B but recently was getting worse so I fitted a new switch but this fault still remains.

Any thoughts? pointers?

[wilsonsjw11]

Graham
How long since the oil pump suction strainer was inspected/cleaned?
Regards
Steve

[bedlow1]

Er 10 years by dogsbollox
could that be it?

[andyb1962]

Drop the sump, and check it.............yes its a pain but its easy (I can do it ) but its better than oil starvation. Mine was well clogged with sludge.

[bedlow1]

Ok thanks for information i will try that.
Can you drop the sump with the engine in
The frame or does it have to come out?

[wilsonsjw11]

Graham
Engine stays in,take the exhaust system off to gain access to all the sump bolts.
Be prepared for a bit of a job removing the old gasket material,unless you are lucky.
Regards
Steve

[bedlow1]

Steve
Thanks , I will order up a gasket and
Give it ago

[andyb1962]

When re fitting, lube new gasket with a bit of grease and it will come off easier next time. Dont over tighten small sump bolts when refitting. Honestly take your time and its easy i learnt all that on here............. hopefully No siezed bolts and exhaust comes off without too much pain.

[chrisu]

also check the o ring as well.

[Z1B]

Totally agree that's your problem, do not use until sump strainer is cleaned, I had that once in my early Zed days, I also noticed a drop in power, luckily no damage was caused thanks to the Roller crank..... possibly some wear to cam half shells, cant remember, but I am sure these are the first to get punished with a blocked strainer it was a long long time ago, regular oil change / and filter, quality oil, spotless filler funnel, clean oil, you know the script.
Also sludge was mentioned, its usually a combination of not getting the engine really hot, (give it a good thrashing now and again) and just to re-word, the tech term is not getting it up to operating temp, also use of low quality oil with little in the way of additives, not good, these guys who don't use their bikes and just start them once a month to LOOK AFTER IT are the worst culprits for premature engine wear

[PAULJAC47]

All valid points but dont rule out a short to earth on the switch wiring!

[bedlow1]

Thanks everyone Thats very usefull information
I will let you know the outcome

[alinus65]

I am having same problem.
With hot engine the light was on below 3000 rpm.
I have replaced the oil pressure switch. Now light is off with cold engine.
It turns on with hot engine (after 15 minutes) but only at idle rmp. Above 1500 rpm is off.
My oil is Motul 5100 10w40. Since I am using this bike only in summer (north of Italy) I was thinking to replace with 10w50.

[PAULJAC47]

Dont!!!!!! run this bike till you have sorted out problem potential for big problems..

[floydsz1]

I had simular problem with one of mine. put new switch on it and it still flickered and came on some times at tickover. You can put an extra washer on the plunger as i found it wasnt earthing properly. I also put my finger in the hole and pulled out a small bit of gasket that was stopping it earth. Ive had no probs since.