Yanmar 2000 oil light came on and stayed on!

[sidepasser]

Hi,

Just purchased a YM2000 and used it today to bush hog the pasture. Just normal grassy areas, nothing too tall. Had tractor in 3rd gear, high and PTO in 2nd (I know now it is supposed to be in 1st!) and am using a 4 ft bush hog. Was going along just fine, and the oil light came on and would not go out. I stopped tractor, and checked the oil and it had plenty. I just got the tractor yesterday and it had new filters, and had been overhauled and it doesn't have very many hours (less than 600). Why would the oil light come and stay on when the tractor had plenty of oil? What should I check for? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks from a new tractor owner!
Sidepasser

 

[allenp]

It could be the oil pressure switch or something more serious. If you are in a hurry to check it out, which I'm sure you are, the easiest and fastest method is to install an oil pressure gauge. Advance Auto, Napa, Autozone all have a universal oil pressure gauge that comes with the tubing and adapters for quick installation. Your oil pressure switch has threads that are 1/8 x 28. There is usually an adapter in the kit to adapt to these threads.

Assuming you still have the original Yanmar oil pressure switch, the light should come on when your oil pressure drops to approximately 15 psi. You can find a "will fit" oil pressure switch at the auto parts store, however most of the automotive oil pressure switches are set to operate at approximately 3-5 psi. Since you don't know for sure if you have an oil pressure problem, I would go the gauge route.

 

[allenp]

I forget to mention that you should use 1st PTO, not 2nd. 1st is 540 rpm and 2nd is about 750 rpm.

While it should not have caused you to lose oil pressure, 2nd will put a LOT of strain your bush hog and your tractor....and is not safe.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I agree that it is most likly a pressure sensor but it could be the fact that you were working it pretty Hard and the engine being freshly rebuilt caused it to over heat and the oil got thin and caused it to drop in pressure. It is also possible that you could have damaged the engine if you kept running it with the low pressure.
Ralph

 

[normde2001]

A good test now is to pull out on the compression release and crank the engine over, fuel lever off, and see if the oil light goes out in 5-10 seconds. If it does everything is probably ok.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I would take it back to the dealer and tell him to fix it, or plunk down $ 5.65 for a new switch. Make sure he gives you the right one, 121250-39450 or 183250-39450.
Danny
Parker Equipment Co

 

[Jackbax]

Just a thought, make sure the wire hasn't fallen off the oil pressure switch and is grounding out, that will keep the light on.
Jack

 

[sidepasser]

Thanks everyone! I am going to check the sending unit, already bought the oil pressure gauge (now just need to put it on), and will check the wire to make sure it is connected.

Tractor is just my size and runs good, would hate to have to haul it back to the dealer and leave it if it is something simple to fix.

Thanks a heap, hope the problem is solved before the next rains come!

Take care
Cindy

 

[sidepasser]

Hi Everyone,

Well talked with the dealer and he is exchanging the tractor for another one, said that a bearing had slipped and was allowing exhaust to come through the engine, causing the oil to thin out too much to maintain pressure. Said that happens sometimes when an engine is rebuilt and the bearing may not have been seated properly. Not only will he exchange it, but he is sending over the new tractor and picking up this one. What a nice man to do business with! I would recommend that anyone doing business with a dealer get a warranty and check the business out first, it sure does make a difference if you have problems down the road.

I thank everyone here who responded with your advice and help,
Take care and God bless,
Cindy

 

[Inspector507]

My YM1700 has about 12-1300 hours and I can't imagine it needed rebuilt yet. Not for another 4000 hours /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif