Outboard engine alarm
Submitted by Big Frank on Thu, 2007-02-08 20:51
Was out trolling the other day when the engine (oil injected) alarm went off - long beeps which the manual said was a low oil warning.
Checked the oil reservoir which was 3/4 full, turned the engine off and then re - started it - bit like re - booting a computer. No alarm came on but 15 minutes later the alarm went off again. Poured a litre of oil direct into the fuel tank but alarm kept going headed for boat ramp at about 5 knots and the alarm stopped. Any ideas about what the problem might be? Sounds expensive!!
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15610
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Heat
Could it have possibly been over heating? How old is the engine Big Frank?
Site Admin - Just ask if you need assistance
Big Frank
Posts: 115
Date Joined: 07/02/06
Over heating
Adam - don't think it is over heating as apparently the alarm for that is short sharp beeps not long ones as I am getting. It's a '94 model Johnno and had been serviced fairly recently.
Thanks for the other comments guys - I'll fiddle around with the ideas you put forward.
TAPOUT
Posts: 885
Date Joined: 27/01/06
It could possibly be a
It could possibly be a faulty sensor giving out false readings so dont panic just yet. The main thing is the engine still runs so you obviously havnt done any damage. Now in my oppinion oil injection is the worst thing outboards ever came out with. All it does is give you an extra thing that can go wrong and blow your motor. If the pump or diaphram has problems then no oil will get to the engine and no lube is not good. When I bought my engine the first thing I did was disconect the oil injection and the engine hasnt missed a beat and runs like a dream. Now I no that its a bit more effort to premix fuel but when talking about a 10 to 20 thousand dollar motor its better to be safe than sorry I think. At least you no its done. But that all depends weather you can dissconnect yours or not anyway. Its also worth asking around because so many so called experts told me I couldnt disconnect mine and that it wouldnt run or I needed to change the fuel pump but all I did was dissconect the oil line and dissconect the alarm and start premixing the fuel and no probs. Just a thought any way. Hope you have some luck getting it sorted.
mitch
Posts: 1285
Date Joined: 14/08/05
ide be checking the oil res
ide be checking the oil res tank to see if the pick up line has maybee a little crack or hole above the level of oil.just might be sucking a little air
always in it just the depth that varies
Andy
Posts: 522
Date Joined: 08/10/05
injection
The vro oil injection system on johnsons are know for packing up. Get the fuel pump changed to a pre mixed pump and run 50:1. Johnsons run a rubber diaphram oil pump, yamahas and mercury run a oil pump off the crank or drive shaft whick are much more reliable.
bouttime
Posts: 703
Date Joined: 27/07/06
Had the same prob with my
Had the same prob with my 150hp black max. Asked everyone inc outboard mech and the best they could come up with was run it till the alarm goes off. Ended up disconecting the alarm and never had a prob. Have since fitted a new 150 DI evinrude and had an alarm for low oil. Had it checked and they put it down to a faulty sensor. Ran it out and sensor now ok. As long as you have oil in your oil container or in your motor should be no prob as the sensor is in the tank not on the motor. If your concerned take it to the experts. At least then you know what your up for.
streetfighter80
Posts: 1079
Date Joined: 12/02/06
faulty sensor
same thing happened to me
Big Frank
Posts: 115
Date Joined: 07/02/06
Stuffed up big time
Took the boat out last Friday down at Augusta. Got up to 4000 revs and the engine stopped dead. Re - started easily but every time I tried to put it into gear, it stalled. Lucky I was in a river and the wind blew back towards the boat ramp so got back ok. No engine alarms went off.
Mechanic had a look and the top cylinder was compressing at 80psi and the other two at 130ps. HIs comment was "its looks real dry for a Johnno engine" Oil injection reservoir was full. All alarms checked and working as normal.
Wasn't worth pulling the engine apart as he wasn't carrying much in the way of replacement parts so have brought engine back for repairs.
Looks like a need a part time job to pay for this one! Should have listended to Andy!
jimbo1
Posts: 333
Date Joined: 22/12/06
Maybe sensor
As said maybe sensor! What oil do you use? I was advised by a reputable marine mechanic to steer away from the shell nautilus 2 str oil as it is prone to corroding some sensors in the oil reservoir.
James
THE LAZY FISHERMAN
* Proud supporter of BAILEYS BAIT BOX *
MSN/
Big Frank
Posts: 115
Date Joined: 07/02/06
oil
Jimbo - I use Quicksilver Premium Plus. Costs a bit more but supposed to flow better through the oil injection set up. Didn't seem to flow at all this time.
I'll let you know what the outcome is - booked into marine work shop on Monday.
billy chase
Posts: 46
Date Joined: 02/03/07
4 Stroke
Buy a four banger.....little bit more servicing etc but worth it..
Thats my opinion anyway.
Good luck!
cheers
Plugga
jimbo1
Posts: 333
Date Joined: 22/12/06
Best of luck!
Good luck with it hope it doesnt turn out to be too much of a head f#@k for you and you get back on the water soon!
James
THE LAZY FISHERMAN
* Proud supporter of BAILEYS BAIT BOX *
MSN/