low oil light keeps flashing

[zblackfox]

Low oil Level warning light keeps flashing on 85 model even though oil level is proper. Even unplugging the wire at rear of engine doesn't stop it from flashing. Any fix ideas?

[Me Again]

This is a very common problem on the 1300.
The problem is dirty sensor.
Easiest solution is to use a high detergent oil and /or additive.
Disconnecting the sensor is only going to turn the light on.
Since I started using the Shell Rotella I have not had this problem.
Do not just add oil or you will have a new set of problems

[zblackfox]

Additive??? What kind of additive?

Shell Rotella??? Deisel oil??

[Me Again]

Any high detergent additive will work.
Yes .Diesel oil.Shell Rotella is also OK for autos and motorcycles. it has fewer friction modifiers so it helps with wet clutch slipping and more detergents so it helps keep the engine clean. Either T4 or T6 depending on your preference.
If you check the sight glass occasionally you can pretty much ignore the OILL warning

[cranky]

... ALWAYS go with the synthetic! I looked into some studies many years ago,
about how synthetics perform -vs- dino oils.... A synthetic will be functional
and have lost 25% viscosity when a dino oil is a lump of tar... on the heat
side... of course, we'll never see the cold performance.... JM2C

[cranky]

... I'd like to add, I had an ol' Oldsmobile that the valve covers dried up from
age, leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold and smoking in the AM 'til they soaked
up....

I've run Mobil 1 in my cars and scoots for YEARS, my wrench took my valve covers off
to change the gasket and commented that he'd never seen a motor that clean
on the inside!!! It really is good stuff!!! JM2C

[zblackfox]

Thanks to both MEAGAIN and CRANKY for responding; I own 2 of these 85 ZN's and ride them both regularly; I've used Castrol Motorcycle oil for years; strange thing is in one bike, the low oil light won't stop flashing with clean oil in both and on one bike, no flashing. Oil level is proper. Is there anyway to tricking the upper warning light so it will go off? Very annoying having it flashing. Disconnecting at sensor on the oil pan didn't stop it from flashing.

[Me Again]

Thanks to both MEAGAIN and CRANKY for responding; I own 2 of these 85 ZN's and ride them both regularly; I've used Castrol Motorcycle oil for years; strange thing is in one bike, the low oil light won't stop flashing with clean oil in both and on one bike, no flashing. Oil level is proper. Is there anyway to tricking the upper warning light so it will go off? Very annoying having it flashing. Disconnecting at sensor on the oil pan didn't stop it from flashing.

I have never tried it but it may be possible to just put a jumper wire on the plug you disconnected . I know it works for the kickstand switch.

[cranky]

... well, the ol' hammer to light bulb always works... GBG but methinks not
a very positive solution!!! Just a SWAG (Scientific Wild A$$ed Guess) you need
stabilize the line, I'd look for a way to install a delay circuit to ride out the
fluctuations....

Google, being your friend, to the rescue! I'd search on "12V delay line circuit"
and go from there, I'd think you could get the right time slot to stabilize the
lite... 1/4 sec? 1/2 sec? JM2C

[Van Voyager]

Just out of curiosity... anyone know how the low oil sensor works, i.e. is it mechanical or some other kind of 'proximity' sensor?

[zblackfox]

Thanks for the tip MEAGAIN; how would you install a jumper cable?

[cranky]

... just as an example, one I found looking on google...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NE555-DC-12V-D ... 1137302059

... delivered for 3 bucks.... I'm sure you can find something in the sub-second range
if desired.... I don't think you want to completely disable the circuit unless
you can find a work-around... yeah, it "probably" will never happen....

.... what was that guys name... oh, Murphy.... GBG Very best to Ya!!!!!

[Me Again]

Thanks for the tip MEAGAIN; how would you install a jumper cable?

That is a tough question with a lot of different answers.
The easiest way would be to cut the plug off and twist the wires together.
Or. you could just put a small jumper wire in the existing plug.
Anyway you do it try to leave it so you can reattach a sensor if you ever decide to remedy the problem.
Based on the only pics I could find it appears to be a mechanical switch directly above the filter but do not quote me on that.

[cranky]

... a mechanical fix / switch would be MUCH preferred as you could
momentarily see if it is indicating low oil.... would be my second
choice... I'd try the delay first.... JM2C