Oil Pressure Light

[MNGS1000G]

Hello All! I just picked up a 1980 GS1000G and its Oil Pressure Light is always on. I have ridden it ( I know this could be a bad idea) and it drives just fine. So my question is, what should I be looking for? Is it possible it is nothing, and is there a way to tell. I don't want to run the bike without oil pressure...obviously. A previous posting mentioned checking the grounding, could that be the case here too. To my knowledge the previous owner didn't do anything with the gauges. Anyhow, you all are much wiser with these bikes than I am so I look forward to your thoughts.

[Nessism]

Check the wire on the sensor-the sensor looks like a white plug attached in the center of a small plate on top the crankcase under the carbs. Take wire off and the light should go out, ground it to the engine and the light should come on. Check that and report back.

[Steve]

Also make sure that you have oil in the engine.

With the bike on the centerstand, the oil level should be visible in the sight glass on the clutch cover.

.

[MNGS1000G]

Yep, checked for oil before running the bike. Guy I bought it from just did an oil change. Can see said oil in window, and looks full.

I will check the wire suggested. I don't see any white plastic, but most of what is in there is dirty. Any other suggestions to make sure that I've got the right wire?

[bellucci]

Use the search button and put oil pressure sending unit in... It will pull a photo, probably from Posplayer as he just changed his in his bike.
Curt

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. MNGS1000G,

Mr. Nessism is describing the wire connected to the Oil Pressure Send Unit. Here's my GS850G, very similar to the GS1000G.



I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

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Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[MNGS1000G]

I pulled the wire off the sensor and the light went off, I put it against the engine and it went back on. More thought?

By the way, thanks for the help guys!

[Nessism]

I pulled the wire off the sensor and the light went off, I put it against the engine and it went back on. More thought?

By the way, thanks for the help guys!

Basically, the sensor is just a spring loaded plunger that sits down over the oil feed port and completes the circuit ground for the light circuit. As oil flow comes up the port it pushes the sensor plunger out of the way thus disturbing the ground path - and turning out the light. Next thing I'd do is remove the two screws holding that small plate on and see if the sensor plunger is moving freely. Assuming it is, you need to get a gauge into the oil port on the side of the cylinder and take an actual measurement. The oiling system is very robust; about the only thing that can completely stop oil flow is if the clutch basket is loose to the point where the gear driving the oil pump is disconnected (which is unlikely). Only other thing I can think of is if someone botched with the oil system flow by installing an oil cooler.

[SqDancerLynn1]

That motor will be happy with 3-4 lbs of pressure. The light is working so I would take the sending unit out and clean it or try a different one. Try a different oil filter? Messy way !! Start it with the sending unit out to see if it pumps oil out.

[chef1366]

Clean both contact surfaces with light sandpaper. This includes the surface inside the cases.

[Nessism]

Clean both contact surfaces with light sandpaper. This includes the surface inside the cases.

The light is on all the time, sanding the surface will only increase the chance of the light staying on by improving the ground.