Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hi all,

After changing the clutch and doing an oil/filter change I haven't been able to get oil pressure.

The oil light just stays on and the bottom end is starting to make a bad tapping noise. I've 'burped' the filter and emptied and refilled the oil again, all with no luck. The only other unusual thing I did was take off the oil hose next to the clutch cover coming out of the sump. I can't find signs of leaking oil anywhere. Could it possibly be the oil pump, and how does one check if this is working.

The bike is a 1996 ZX6R.

Help needed urgently as I'm suppose to be going to the Xmas trackday tonight!

Cheers,
Mike.

You could have air in the system that may be causing the oil not to flow.
If you have pre filled the oil filter its probly not there, although you should let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to soak in to the filter before fitting ,so it may be in the oil line you have removed.
Try priming the oil line, from the high end and if thats not it, try loosening the oil filter with the bike running - if you can - until oil bubbles out.

Good luck..

Mike wrote:....... The only other unusual thing I did was take off the oil hose next to the clutch cover coming out of the sump.....

why did you do that ?

I would take it off again, fill it with oil and re-fit.

Have a few things to try when I get home. I hope it works!!!

Find someone local, get em to come over and help, and pay em in beers.

same thing happened recently on my bike (exact same bike too)
It's a common thing on all engines I've seen before.

Now everyone is going to flame me for this, but start it up, and give it a rev. Works everytime (unless there is a bigger problem 90% time theres not), but if you have left it idling with the oil light on and the bottom ends noisy, I hate to say it but could be some damage.

Maybe no damage. If your filter is on the front of the motor like my Z1000 put it up on a rear stand this forces the oil forward and into where it should be going. Next time you change oil go to a synthetic such as Mobile 1 or whatever as synthetic tends to remain on the bearings longer and preventing damage when shit like this happens. another way is to over fill the crankcase by about one quart. Don't run it long this way as it will cause a major oil mess. Run it this way until oil pressure is ok then remove the extra oil. Good luck and a shot plus a brew will make all things clear.

Big thanks to all who replied. I tried the starting it on its side method and it stopped the knocking, I imagine it made sure oil lubricated the bottom end, however I still didn't get oil pressure.

So I filled the oil filter with oil, put it on but didn't tighten it all the way up. Started the bike, got a big spurt of oil come out of the filter and instantly got oil pressure. So tightened up the oil filter and refilled the sump and she's all good. Thanks to one of the Canberra guys who gave me the info.

Just took it for a test ride up the local, closed, private, non road related area to test the new clutch, brakes and engine. And she's running sweet again. So if anyone else comes across this problem fill the oil filter, put it on so it's dripping then start it up. You should get pressure straight away but you'll lose a bit of oil so remember to top it back up.

Cheers all,
Mike.

Great news Mike, pitty it wasnt a few weeks ago

What do you mean "thanks to the Canberra guys for the info" its in my first post an hour after you posted.... You could have had it at the Xmas track day if you trusted me.. ..

Quote.
try loosening the oil filter with the bike running - if you can - until oil bubbles out.

MadKaw wrote:What do you mean "thanks to the Canberra guys for the info" its in my first post an hour after you posted.... You could have had it at the Xmas track day if you trusted me.. ..

Quote.
try loosening the oil filter with the bike running - if you can - until oil bubbles out.

Yes, this was one of the first things I did. However it only worked after I pre-filled the oil filter.

Mike wrote:it only worked after I pre-filled the oil filter

You blind mofo! MadKaw told you to do that too

jonoZRX wrote:

Mike wrote:it only worked after I pre-filled the oil filter

You blind mofo! MadKaw told you to do that too

You are correct. My apologies Dave. I was kinda in a mad rush at the time... must of skipped over that part

Nice work Mike.

Glad its all sorted and your back on the track hack......

Now you just need to touch up the AreWon.

Does anyone know if we have to go through all this crap with a 2003 ZX9R or can we just fill up the oil filter before we put it on, fill the sump and crank it to get oil pressure then start it?

Gonna do an oil and filter change on Sunday.