Oil Pressure Light at Higher RPM?

[garp2112]

I have a 2008 S2R1K, full exhaust with reflashed ECU.  I went for a little ride today and noticed the oil engine light would faintly come on during the times I would get on her at the higher RPMs.  I checked the oil level and it is fine.  The light was never solid and would completely go away on decel. 

Any idea why the oil pressure light would go on when the engine is being run hard?  I would think there is more pressure, not less when you get on the engine.   

Thanks,

[KRJ]

  And, the first place winner should be sending unit, then wiring, guage? If You've had engine work done prior
to the problem, clearences?..... Who's next???

[Howie]

Yes, oil pressure increases with speed.  Only two things I can think of that would cause oil pressure loss at speed, cavitation or failure of the oil to return to the sump quick enough.  Did you wash the bike or ride in the rain recently?  If so, you probably have water in the connector on the oil pressure switch.

[garp2112]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Still not sure what to make of it.  The bike has not gotten wet recently and has not had any work on it that would involve oil pressure changes. 

Does anyone know if the oil pressure gauge alarms on too much pressure in addition to insufficient pressure?  Perhaps that would explain the issue only being seen at the higher RPMs.

[Slide Panda]

Nope, it only signals low pressure. It's just a simple switch that changes state above a set pressure. Drop below that point and *bing* lights come on. Me thinks you should get a pressure gauge and get some actual numbers.

Out of curiosity - what oil weight are you using? Do you have enough in the bike? One theory I'm pondering is that you're low on oil. As a result there's not enough returning to the sump when the engine, and pump are at high rpms.

[Howie]

Excellent questions, yuu.

Officially I have to agree with yuu about checking with a manual gauge (after you report on oil level and weight) since this is the only way you will have numbers.  Since it is unlikely you have a gauge and adapter at your disposal an option is just buy a new sending unit and seeing if it fixes the problem. 

[garp2112]

Thanks for all the input.  I am using 10W/40 synthetic oil.  I have triple checked the level and it is just where it needs to be. The sending unit seems to be the likely suspect.  I likely will just keep an eye on it and see if I can get it to consistently repeat before changing out.

[Howie]

I would either check with a mechanical gauge or replace the sending unit now.  Engine work is very expensive.