Is My oil pressure too high?

[MIKESCHWARTZ]

Ive recently purchased an 2002 Tahoe Q5 with a 5.0 litre mercury mercruiser w/Alfa1 outdrive.I get an audible beep when coming on plane or sometimes letting off the gas quickly.But not every time. The engine temp is at 185 Degrees and oil pressure is at 40-45 psi idle. Cold it tends to be closer to 60 psi and when go WOT it will go 59-58 psi. I cant determine really whats causing the audible beep. Ive looked at the wireing and grounds but this is the first I/O ive owned. I been a auto mechanic for 10yrs but im lost on this one. My question is What is considered to high of oil pressure for the 5.0? The boat has around 55 hrs on it and has been serviced well.<br />I was under the impression the audible sounder was for too high or too low of oil press.<br />Any help or ideas would be great...

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

The oil pressure is fine. For that matter it is damn good! Now for the temp....I think it is running a little hot for as cold as the water has been. I run a 140* thermostat that usually peaks out at 160*.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

That warning will sound when the oil pressure is too low, the temp too high, or the drive oil reservoir (if equipped) is too low.<br />That oil pressure you state is exactly what is should be. I think it's the temp that you'd better check out. I know 185 is not hot, but it is for a marine engine. I suspect you have an impeller that is getting worn out. Also, since you say this sound happens getting on & off plane, check that drive oil reservoir bottle. If it's low the oil might be "sloshing" just enough to trip that alarm.

 

[MIKESCHWARTZ]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

You may be correct on the drive unit oil reservoir it is at the add mark.I was wondering if the other sensors shared the same sounder.I will double check the gauge on the boat im going off of memory but it stays a little left of center on the temp gauge may that is 165 not 185. Its been a long weekend at the lake....<br />Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

Yes, All the sensors are to the same alarm.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

and yes the slosh will tend to sound the low drive oil alarm.

 

[MIKESCHWARTZ]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

I did sit down and read the mercury manual that came with the boat to get a better understanding of the cooling system.I heard the word seacock metioned but never did see it located in any illustrations of the system. It was one of suggestions of a closed seacock during operation causeing excessive engine temps.Do you think that may be the reason for the 175-180 degree engine temps.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

Your boat doesn't have a seacock. Your system draws it's cooling water in through those little holes on the lower part of your outdrive. If those are blocked you can have a problem, but they don't stay blocked for long (the infamous "plastic bag got wrapped around my drive"). The pump inside your drive that supplies the water is called the raw water pump, some call it the impeller pump. It's usually the source of any "running hot" condition. Your's is not simple to change, so ask Don S for the correct edition merc service manual before you attempt to do any service.

 

[MIKESCHWARTZ]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

Yes, I did figure that out this morning after taking a good look. I decided it had to take its sourse of water through the lower unit.So the impeller is in the lower unit? And the main circulating pump for the engine is the typical water pump?<br />How do I contact Don S?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Is My oil pressure too high?

impeller is in the lower unit on Alpha drives, correct.<br />The water pump on your engine is exactly as you describe it, a circulating pump. It just circulates the water out of the block when the thermostat opens. It's almost not necessary. <br />Don S has posted a reply earlier on this thread. If he doesn't post another... start a new topic, giving him your year, make, model, serial number of engine/drive & ask him what mercruiser manual you need. Sometimes he posts online links to them.