Re: Oil light
Add 100-150 cc and see if it happens again. It's easy to underfill the dry sump engine.
Add 100-150 cc and see if it happens again. It's easy to underfill the dry sump engine.
Low Oil light? How low before it comes on?
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fredz43
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Re: Oil light
I thought I learned on this forum that it is an oil level switch and not an oil pressure switch. Or did I just dream that? ???BadKarmaPa said:
Re: Oil light
And overfill as well!Checkswrecks said:
Re: Oil light
I have had the light come on with a cold engine after rolling through a quick right or left hand turn. read... slow speed peg dragger. this is not a loss of oil pressure issue. the oil level sensor in the oil tank thinks the oil tank is getting low. clear as mud, right? :-*
No you did not dream that ::008:: one can think of the oil storage area of a dry sump engine like a tank full of oil. the engine has a pressure side of the oil pump and a scavenge side. the pressure side takes oil from the storage tank and feeds the engine oil galleries and the scavenge side clears the engine base of oil after it has circulated through the engine and pumps it back to the storage tank. I think most cold engines do not drain back to the base quickly so the tank does not refill to its full capacity until warm. hence the warm up, let stand oil level check procedure with this motor. even wet sump engines hold up oil when cold.fredz43 said:
I have had the light come on with a cold engine after rolling through a quick right or left hand turn. read... slow speed peg dragger. this is not a loss of oil pressure issue. the oil level sensor in the oil tank thinks the oil tank is getting low. clear as mud, right? :-*
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
Re: Oil light
Clear! Thank you
Clear! Thank you
Re: Oil light
Had this happen to me out of the blue again this morning. Operating temp was 160ish and I was a mile from home. Came on, went off then instantly went on again. Then it went off as I was pulling over. Rode it the mile or so back home, with no light and parked it, and took the 4runner to work. It sat for about 10-15 minutes while I changed out, then I came back and looked to see that the oil was draining back in and filling the sight glass. Not a drop! This concerned me a little. Will check when I get home from work and may just do an oil change or have the dealer come get it and investigate, if my oil level has not returned.
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Had this happen to me out of the blue again this morning. Operating temp was 160ish and I was a mile from home. Came on, went off then instantly went on again. Then it went off as I was pulling over. Rode it the mile or so back home, with no light and parked it, and took the 4runner to work. It sat for about 10-15 minutes while I changed out, then I came back and looked to see that the oil was draining back in and filling the sight glass. Not a drop! This concerned me a little. Will check when I get home from work and may just do an oil change or have the dealer come get it and investigate, if my oil level has not returned.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Re: Oil light
So I got home from worked and checked the sight glass. No oil to be seen. This has been full to the top line since the last oil change. Does the oil gravity feed back into the tank or is it a mechanical? Could it be burning oil? I would think not at all, due to the way it runs perfect and the exhaust shows no sign of burning oil.
So I got home from worked and checked the sight glass. No oil to be seen. This has been full to the top line since the last oil change. Does the oil gravity feed back into the tank or is it a mechanical? Could it be burning oil? I would think not at all, due to the way it runs perfect and the exhaust shows no sign of burning oil.
Re: Oil light
Ok so i have been monitoring this on my bike since my last post here. I have checked the oil before the first startup each day that I ride. I'm a little over 10k on the odo. I have had to add about 4oz of oil approx every 2k miles since i switched to synthetic (AMSOIL Motorcycle 10w40) at 4k miles, and the same oil at 8k. My motorcycle IS burning oil. I'm not worried really at all, it is running absolutely fantastic. Should I be worried? I have not done a lot of research but have read here and other forums that some yamaha models can burn some oil, and its no big deal. I was told i could try putting regular oil back in and monitor the oil usage or a few thousand miles, then try synthetic down the road. Any ideas?
Ok so i have been monitoring this on my bike since my last post here. I have checked the oil before the first startup each day that I ride. I'm a little over 10k on the odo. I have had to add about 4oz of oil approx every 2k miles since i switched to synthetic (AMSOIL Motorcycle 10w40) at 4k miles, and the same oil at 8k. My motorcycle IS burning oil. I'm not worried really at all, it is running absolutely fantastic. Should I be worried? I have not done a lot of research but have read here and other forums that some yamaha models can burn some oil, and its no big deal. I was told i could try putting regular oil back in and monitor the oil usage or a few thousand miles, then try synthetic down the road. Any ideas?
briang123
New Member
Re: Oil light
I guess I'd be pretty concerned about the oil level dropping. I've had the oil light come on occaisonally when still cool since the bike was new. Goes out either after a couple miles or at a stop sign or red light. Just had it happen yesterday again. But my oil level is fine. I'm at around 6000 miles on mine. I quit worrying about it.
I guess I'd be pretty concerned about the oil level dropping. I've had the oil light come on occaisonally when still cool since the bike was new. Goes out either after a couple miles or at a stop sign or red light. Just had it happen yesterday again. But my oil level is fine. I'm at around 6000 miles on mine. I quit worrying about it.
Oil light
Got 20k miles on mine. I've added oil twice. Both times shortly after having it serviced. And both times I had the oil LEVEL light come on briefly within the first 2 miles in the morning. Both times, after I got back home I let it sit on the center stand for about 10 minutes and it came to the bottom of the sight window.
It may be under-filled at service.
Another tell sign of lower oil level is a bit of cam chain clatter on startup. Again, this all but disappears after filling to top of sight window. (Only use sight window if you have followed owners manual exactly. It's unreliable for any out-of-sequence viewing)
Having said all that, I wouldn't be shocked to find some consumption with this motor at 4500 RPM sustained riding. Not easy to do in some parts of the country. But with some of the West Texas 80mph posted roads, cruising at an indicated 90 is totally acceptable. For miles and miles!
Got 20k miles on mine. I've added oil twice. Both times shortly after having it serviced. And both times I had the oil LEVEL light come on briefly within the first 2 miles in the morning. Both times, after I got back home I let it sit on the center stand for about 10 minutes and it came to the bottom of the sight window.
It may be under-filled at service.
Another tell sign of lower oil level is a bit of cam chain clatter on startup. Again, this all but disappears after filling to top of sight window. (Only use sight window if you have followed owners manual exactly. It's unreliable for any out-of-sequence viewing)
Having said all that, I wouldn't be shocked to find some consumption with this motor at 4500 RPM sustained riding. Not easy to do in some parts of the country. But with some of the West Texas 80mph posted roads, cruising at an indicated 90 is totally acceptable. For miles and miles!
Re: Oil light
A lot of manufacturer's routinely say that 16oz of oil in a 1,000 miles is normal. I don't agree with it, but that seems to be the standard they go by. So 4oz every 2k miles is excellent according to that standard. But it doens't appear to be excessive to me.
A lot of manufacturer's routinely say that 16oz of oil in a 1,000 miles is normal. I don't agree with it, but that seems to be the standard they go by. So 4oz every 2k miles is excellent according to that standard. But it doens't appear to be excessive to me.
Re: Oil light
~
Hey, Folks...
Don't forget that if you overfill it then you are just about guaranteed to "burn oil" (along with causing other issues). There are very good, specific reasons why oil levels are set as they are from manufacturers, and this is definitely one great example where "if this much is enough more would be better" is not the idea you want to follow and the concept of "less is more" should guide you. Filling the engine with more than the recommended amount of oil doesn't serve to lubricate or protect your engine any better, and in fact excessive crankcase pressure can cause a ton of problems... oil consumption is just one, along with oil in the airbox, leaking gaskets and seals, troublesome idling, poor low-speed running and throttle response, slow revving, and resistance to reach peak RPM to name just a few.
And all my bikes I try to err short of the full mark on the oil sight glass or dipstick, and in fact, try to set them up where they never show more than half-way when relatively cool - like when you only run the bike for 10 minutes to check the oil as Yamaha recommends in the manual. That way they are usually no more than to the full mark when good and hot.
Yes, the Super Tenere's engine is technically a "dry sump" powerplant with a "separate" oil tank, but that oil tank is inside the engine cases and is openly vented to the rest of the crankcase. It's perhaps better to think of the Super Tenere's engine as a "dry sump" with an *internal reservoir* rather than it having a separate tank. It is also important to remember one of the many reasons Yamaha opted for this layout... That is to avoid having a oil sump below the engine so they could mount it lower in the frame, but at the same time to completely scavenge all oil out of the rod journal cavity area below the pistons so they could attempt to minimize the pumping loses of such two large oversquare bores - ones essentially equivalent to a 600cc single and much larger than most large displacement Japanese performance engines. If you overfill the engine's "internal reservoir" then any excess oil will find all the wrong places to go, and only cause you problems and reduce your engine's performance and efficiency.
Believe me, even if your oil level shows only at the bottom line of the sight glass you're safe. The Japs are almost notoriously conservative about oil level on their street bikes, so the Super Tenere will probably run safely on two quarts of oil if it got down there.
Funny, too... I often wondering if some the vibration, rough running under acceleration, etc. (all can be indicative of excessive crankcase pressure) that some Super Tenere pilots report might simply be that they are running their oil levels too high. If you keep it near the middle of the sight glass you might be rewarded with smoother running, better throttle response, a freer revving powerplant, better mileage, and yes, longer gasket, seal, *AND* overall engine life.
Just my two centavos... YMMV.
Dallara
~
~
Hey, Folks...
Don't forget that if you overfill it then you are just about guaranteed to "burn oil" (along with causing other issues). There are very good, specific reasons why oil levels are set as they are from manufacturers, and this is definitely one great example where "if this much is enough more would be better" is not the idea you want to follow and the concept of "less is more" should guide you. Filling the engine with more than the recommended amount of oil doesn't serve to lubricate or protect your engine any better, and in fact excessive crankcase pressure can cause a ton of problems... oil consumption is just one, along with oil in the airbox, leaking gaskets and seals, troublesome idling, poor low-speed running and throttle response, slow revving, and resistance to reach peak RPM to name just a few.
And all my bikes I try to err short of the full mark on the oil sight glass or dipstick, and in fact, try to set them up where they never show more than half-way when relatively cool - like when you only run the bike for 10 minutes to check the oil as Yamaha recommends in the manual. That way they are usually no more than to the full mark when good and hot.
Yes, the Super Tenere's engine is technically a "dry sump" powerplant with a "separate" oil tank, but that oil tank is inside the engine cases and is openly vented to the rest of the crankcase. It's perhaps better to think of the Super Tenere's engine as a "dry sump" with an *internal reservoir* rather than it having a separate tank. It is also important to remember one of the many reasons Yamaha opted for this layout... That is to avoid having a oil sump below the engine so they could mount it lower in the frame, but at the same time to completely scavenge all oil out of the rod journal cavity area below the pistons so they could attempt to minimize the pumping loses of such two large oversquare bores - ones essentially equivalent to a 600cc single and much larger than most large displacement Japanese performance engines. If you overfill the engine's "internal reservoir" then any excess oil will find all the wrong places to go, and only cause you problems and reduce your engine's performance and efficiency.
Believe me, even if your oil level shows only at the bottom line of the sight glass you're safe. The Japs are almost notoriously conservative about oil level on their street bikes, so the Super Tenere will probably run safely on two quarts of oil if it got down there.
Funny, too... I often wondering if some the vibration, rough running under acceleration, etc. (all can be indicative of excessive crankcase pressure) that some Super Tenere pilots report might simply be that they are running their oil levels too high. If you keep it near the middle of the sight glass you might be rewarded with smoother running, better throttle response, a freer revving powerplant, better mileage, and yes, longer gasket, seal, *AND* overall engine life.
Just my two centavos... YMMV.
Dallara
~
I am ashamed to admit I have neglected checking the oil level on a regular basis..I generally change the oil every 4K miles or so with 10-40 Mobil 1. This morning shortly after I left for work the light came one for about 1/2 mile....I figured it was do to the hill terrain. I have short 7 mile commute no interstate. When I got to work I checked the site glass on the center stand and the level was barley reading on the glass.... I'm guessing that's more than a quart low. Everything seemed fine on the ride...no odd noises etc....I am wondering if I should ride it home where i have extra oil or see if I can find some here. There is a gas station about a mile away....I could walk there and buy a quart of something.
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
Koinz
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That happened to me after my Kentucky trip. I had about 3K miles on the last oil change. The light came on for a couple of miles, then it went out. I'm thinking that as it warmed up it turned the light off due to some expansion of the heated oil.
It doesn't take more than a few ounces to get back into the safe zone. If you're within walking distance to get some oil, I would do it. you can always use the rest in your car, lawnmower or whatever other machinery you might have. It's worth the piece of mind.
It doesn't take more than a few ounces to get back into the safe zone. If you're within walking distance to get some oil, I would do it. you can always use the rest in your car, lawnmower or whatever other machinery you might have. It's worth the piece of mind.
HHH
New Member
I would check again but holding the bike upright instead of on the center stand and make a call after that reading of the glass eye.
I wouldn't add a quart of just "something", you stated you use Mobil 1, if it is synthetic, you shouldn't mix.
I wouldn't add a quart of just "something", you stated you use Mobil 1, if it is synthetic, you shouldn't mix.
barkingllizard
Well-Known Member
two things:
1. if the oil in the window is visually low, it should be corrected immediately with a quality oil, not just whatever is handy...
[take care of your ride and your ride will take care of you]
2. the oil sensor in the Super Tenere is not state of the art AND is prone to, shall we say 'sticking'... thus causing a little red light to illuminate,
it is an old design from back in the Virago days, covering several models and years...
it is about $120 CDN for the part and 1/4 hour time for a technician to install/replace...
usually the part needs to be ordered, back ordered, from the dealership...
1. if the oil in the window is visually low, it should be corrected immediately with a quality oil, not just whatever is handy...
[take care of your ride and your ride will take care of you]
2. the oil sensor in the Super Tenere is not state of the art AND is prone to, shall we say 'sticking'... thus causing a little red light to illuminate,
it is an old design from back in the Virago days, covering several models and years...
it is about $120 CDN for the part and 1/4 hour time for a technician to install/replace...
usually the part needs to be ordered, back ordered, from the dealership...
In a pinch some oil of any grade in an engine is better than no oil or not enough....I would think since its a LOW oil light and not an oil pressure light that Yamaha would design it so it comes on before engine damage would occur. Manual doesn't even say if the light comes on stop immediately....just says your oil is low.barkingllizard said:
To be safe I'll stop on my way home and grab a quart of 10w40.
ThreePutt
Live for today.
If you can see oil in the sight glass I'd ride it home with no worries, but that's me.
scott123007
Well-Known Member
As is the case when you ask a question like this you are going to get conflicting answers and end up more confused than if you just used your own judgment. To answer your first question, it is between 1/2 and 3/4 qts low when your low level light comes on. I say that because if it is quite cool outside when you first start up, you may only be half a quart low because when the oil is cold, it's thicker and doesn't return to the pan as quickly for the first few minutes, so the light may come on and then go off as the oil warms and returns quicker. If you are on a journey, and the light comes on, you're more like 3/4 quart low. Either way, you are still safe to ride until you can replenish. Of course you can mix regular oil with synthetic. What do you think semi synthetic is?