Manky Monkey Motors

Technical Section => Trike Tech => Topic started by: Brant on July 16, 2014, 10:41:54 AM



Title: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: Brant on July 16, 2014, 10:41:54 AM
The Virago VX1100 is a great basis for a trike (I think) but in my case with just one niggling problem.  On long fast right handers (big roundabouts especially) the oil warning light comes on.  I suppose oil surging away from the pump is the problem (engine remaining vertical rather than tilting over).  Anyone out there with solution/ ideas?


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: the coppersmith on July 16, 2014, 10:46:13 AM
Is the sump removable, i.e. a separate item that could be baffled?? interesting problem.


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: Brant on July 16, 2014, 11:00:46 AM
Not a removable sump in the sense that typical car engines are.  I've never stripped down a VX1100 engine but suspect baffling the bottom end is not an easy option(?).

I posted the question in hope of a solution rather than expectation and suppose I may just have to live with it.  It's not a major issue, just something to bear in mind when cornering (though not a problem on left handers).


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: hunter on July 16, 2014, 01:21:42 PM
I take it the pick-up pipe is on the left then,
Could you make the pick-up pipe a little longer,
Alway's make sure the oil level is on max,
Even add a little extra just over the mark.


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: BikerGran on July 16, 2014, 06:51:43 PM
Is it due for an oil change?  Oil tends to lose its viscosity when it's old, so would surge more easily.


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: rob62 on July 21, 2014, 04:59:31 AM
Dont panic viragos do that...it is an oil level light not a low pressure warning.the sensor is on the left so on a right hander the oil runs away from the sensor putting the liht on. you will find it may happen on long steep hills as well


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: Brant on July 23, 2014, 05:49:03 PM
Dont panic viragos do that...it is an oil level light not a low pressure warning.the sensor is on the left so on a right hander the oil runs away from the sensor putting the liht on. you will find it may happen on long steep hills as well

I like this reply best!  Good man!

Having now looked at the wiring diagram the switch for the warning light is indeed refered to as an "Oil Level Switch".  I suppose if there is no oil pressure switch/ warning light then we simply have to play it by ear and listen for the death rattle of knocking and banging to know when it's running without presure (but by that time it's too late of course).

Thanks Rob.


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: BikerGran on July 23, 2014, 08:39:28 PM

 I suppose if there is no oil pressure switch/ warning light then we simply have to play it by ear and listen for the death rattle of knocking and banging to know when it's running without presure (but by that time it's too late of course).

Just like most cars.


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: rob62 on July 24, 2014, 07:05:42 PM
Thats what happened to my last engine....no warning just a sudden loss of power then a lot of knocking >:(


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: Brant on August 01, 2014, 07:58:01 PM
Thats what happened to my last engine....no warning just a sudden loss of power then a lot of knocking >:(

Was that a Virago?


Title: Re: Virago sump oil surge issue
Post by: rob62 on August 02, 2014, 04:53:16 PM
yep...but dont worry it was a high mileage 750 with questionable oil in it