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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbatt!ihnp4!drutx!car377
From: car377@drutx.UUCP (RogersCA)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Flashing Oil Light
Message-ID: <1271@drutx.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 11-Sep-86 11:38:35 EDT
Article-I.D.: drutx.1271
Posted: Thu Sep 11 11:38:35 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 12-Sep-86 05:32:42 EDT
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 36

My recently purchased (used) 1982 Yamaha XJ1100J Maxim 
does a disturbing thing:  When I accelerate VERY hard
(warp factor 8) for more than a few seconds (RPM = 4500 to
8000 through 1st and 2nd gears, 0-50 mph) the WARNING light 
begins flashing and the LCD display says "OIL", implying, 
I suppose, that the engine is experiencing oil starvation 
(the engine oil level is correct with the engine turned off). If 
I maintain constant velocity (i.e., stop accelerating, but hold 
constant throttle position) the light seems to stay on 
indefinitely, and it goes off only if I drop RPMs back down to idle. 

(1) Does anyone out there know if this is a normal response for
    this engine (1100cc DOHC in-line four)?  

(2) Does Yamaha position the sump intake in a location where 
    hard acceleration will move all the oil away from it?

(3) Is the oil warning system based on oil pressure or does it
    just indicate crankcase oil level?

I tried two different Yamaha shops and got pretty unconvincing
responses. (e.g., "Yup, maybe it'll do that, sometimes!, or "Wow, I don't
know!")  I have previously talked to the "technical" support people at
Yamaha's USA headquarters.  While they were friendly and tried to be 
helpful, they had difficulty answering (or maybe comprehending) technical
questions. (I am still waiting for a response to, "What is the 
published engine horsepower for my bike?").  I get the feeling that
they do have a few gurus around, but they save them for the 
racers and consulting with magazine writers.

If anyone out there knows of a really competent Yamaha mechanic or
shop, I really would appreciate a name or phone number.  

Thanks in advance!

Chuck Rogers @ ATT-ISL, Denver