1980 kz550c oil light

I own a 1980 Kawasaki kz550 ltd and after the bike really warms up the oil light comes on at idle, just concerned what might be causing this and if the bike is still safe to ride. Any helpful hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (I've included a picture of the bike in question)

Look up oil light in search. There are alot of possibilities, such as, debris caught up in the pick up screen blocking the oil flow, oil level too high or too low, oil pressure sensor if going bad, or blockage in oil galleys which is less likely.

What weight oil are you using?

How long has it been since the last oil change was done?

Loosen your oil filter bolt or drain plug just enough to drain a little oil, then smell it to see if it amells like gas. If it does, it is diluted, and thinned out.

Thin oil will not lubricate properly and will damage your engine.

Many oil pressure switches open at 3psi, and close circuit below that, turning on the light.

Too thin oil will not keep the switch open.

The other thing to check is oil level. I don't know how that is done on your machine. Someone will be along shortly with some more help I am sure.

Welcome to the KZ playground.

Hi KaZoo, thanks for the tips.

• Im using 10w-40 motorcycle oil
• Changed the oil/filter about 150 miles ago
• Oil feels/smells fine
• Oil level is right a the top of the little sight glass and stays above the bottom line when running

Post edited by: Quirkson, at: 2007/06/26 20:57

Quirkson wrote:

Hi KaZoo, thanks for the tips.

Oil level is right a the top of the little sight glass and stays above the bottom line when running

[/ul]

Hope some of it helps sort it out. . .

Here's a couple more questions:

How do you check oil level? The bike is supposed to be on both wheels, perpendicular to the ground.

Does the bike leak oil? A bad sensor will leak and give false readings.

What is your idle speed? Too low and the pressure will not be high enough to open the switch.

How many miles on the motor?

The oil is checked with the bike on the center-stand

It has a very minor oil leak near the cam cover above one of the end plugs

The bike idles around 1300 rpm

The original speedo indicated 30k miles

Quirkson wrote:

Hi KaZoo, thanks for the tips.

• Im using 10w-40 motorcycle oil
• Changed the oil/filter about 150 miles ago
• Oil feels/smells fine
• Oil level is right a the top of the little sight glass and stays above the bottom line when running

<br><br>Post edited by: Quirkson, at: 2007/06/26 20:57

is it at top of site glass or top of full mark?