Oil not circulating.

Linker33 · 02-13-2010, 05:29 PM

So recently changed my oil. Went to start my bike up, went inside and when I came out the FI light was on, and the oil icon is showing on the display. I felt the oil filter and it was still cool, so I pulled it off and no oil came out which mean that the oil is not circulating.

- Drained oil
- Removed filter
- Replaced filter
- Removed stator cover
- Replaced stator cover with gray moto gasket maker
- Refiled with oil

What could be causing the oil to suddenly stop circulating?

The bike had been idling for about 5min before I noticed the oil light was on. Does this mean that there is some oil flow? How long will a bike run without oil circulating before seizing up?

medico · 02-13-2010, 05:32 PM

did you fill the oil filter before replacing it? Might be time to drop the oil pan and check for sludge clogging the pickup.

Linker33 · 02-13-2010, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medico

did you fill the oil filter before replacing it?

I didn't.

medico · 02-13-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linker33

I didn't.

Might try that. Prime the system so to say.

Linker33 · 02-13-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medico

Might try that. Prime the system so to say.

I'll give that a shot. It did sit day or two drained before I refilled it.

Linker33 · 02-13-2010, 05:56 PM

Thanks, that did the trick.

scharf2u · 02-14-2010, 09:26 AM

Note: the oil light on motorcycles is a oil level sensor, not a oil pressure indicator. If you you didn't pre-fill the filter, and filled to the sight glass level on the bike, the oil level will be low when the bike is started.

Waldo · 02-14-2010, 09:30 AM

What?

R1DON · 02-14-2010, 10:15 AM

i have never filled my filters before install. the bike should circulate it on its own. i do however bump the starter a few times without letting the bike fire to get the oil circulated before i actually start it

loopy · 02-14-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scharf2u

Note: the oil light on motorcycles is a oil level sensor, not a oil pressure indicator. If you you didn't pre-fill the filter, and filled to the sight glass level on the bike, the oil level will be low when the bike is started.

well after reading my honda shop manual mine is a presure light besides how would that work man when you go into a corner and lean it hard your light would come on lol

Linker33 · 02-14-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scharf2u

Note: the oil light on motorcycles is a oil level sensor, not a oil pressure indicator. If you you didn't pre-fill the filter, and filled to the sight glass level on the bike, the oil level will be low when the bike is started.

In my case the oil really wasn't circulating, as the oil level in the sight glass did not drop at all when I started the bike.
I did leave the oil drained for a day or two while I screwed with the stator cover, so that probably had something to do with it.
I know one time 1ce was changing his oil, and got the same issue, however in his case the filter had been over tightened.

AndrewM87 · 02-14-2010, 12:51 PM

Even though most people don't do it, it is a good idea to fill your oil filter just a little bit. I have never really done it either until this last time with Karl and then asked around to some mechanics. They said it is always a good idea to prime the filter a bit just to get the ease of circulation.

02-13-2010, 05:29 PM	#1
Linker33 Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: Boise, ID Posts: 1,425 I Ride: '02 GSXR 600	Oil not circulating. So recently changed my oil. Went to start my bike up, went inside and when I came out the FI light was on, and the oil icon is showing on the display. I felt the oil filter and it was still cool, so I pulled it off and no oil came out which mean that the oil is not circulating. - Drained oil - Removed filter - Replaced filter - Removed stator cover - Replaced stator cover with gray moto gasket maker - Refiled with oil What could be causing the oil to suddenly stop circulating? The bike had been idling for about 5min before I noticed the oil light was on. Does this mean that there is some oil flow? How long will a bike run without oil circulating before seizing up?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-13-2010, 05:32 PM	#2
medico Member Joined: Sep 2009 From: Boise, id Posts: 41 I Ride: One with two wheels, a seat, a tank, and bars, sometimes it even has a motor but not always	did you fill the oil filter before replacing it? Might be time to drop the oil pan and check for sludge clogging the pickup.

02-13-2010, 05:56 PM	#6
Linker33 Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: Boise, ID Posts: 1,425 I Ride: '02 GSXR 600	Thanks, that did the trick.

02-14-2010, 09:26 AM	#7
scharf2u Senior Member Joined: May 2009 From: Boise Posts: 1,014 I Ride: Victory Kingpin, The Harley is deceased :(	Note: the oil light on motorcycles is a oil level sensor, not a oil pressure indicator. If you you didn't pre-fill the filter, and filled to the sight glass level on the bike, the oil level will be low when the bike is started.

02-14-2010, 09:30 AM	#8
Waldo Joined: Jun 2007 From: What does it matter? Posts: 1,682 I Ride: RVT1000R RC51 SP1/SP2	What?

02-14-2010, 10:15 AM	#9
R1DON Senior Member Joined: Oct 2006 From: Nampa Posts: 1,957 I Ride: 08 zx10	i have never filled my filters before install. the bike should circulate it on its own. i do however bump the starter a few times without letting the bike fire to get the oil circulated before i actually start it

02-14-2010, 12:51 PM	#12
AndrewM87 Senior Member Joined: Oct 2008 From: Boise, ID Posts: 1,247 I Ride: 2006 "Cherry Pie" FZ1	Even though most people don't do it, it is a good idea to fill your oil filter just a little bit. I have never really done it either until this last time with Karl and then asked around to some mechanics. They said it is always a good idea to prime the filter a bit just to get the ease of circulation.