OIL PRESSURE ISSUE

[0430USMC]

Hello Everyone,

I have a Reinell with a 5.0 GL-D motor. A couple weeks ago I was having issues with some of my alarm sensors on my boat. Well I went through each sensor one by one by unplugging them until the alarm went off. It was the coolant sensor having an issue. So I ordered another sensor and replaced it a couple weeks ago. When I changed the sensor, the alarm didnt go off anymore and the boat was running fine. I never took it back in the water. Well today, I go to take the boat out and the boat wouldnt start and the alarm was going off. The boat would not even turn over, it would just click. Looking at the gauges when the key was turn in the on position, the oil pressure was at 0. While keeping the boat in the on position, I went and unplugged the oil sensor (3852215 part number). The alarm stopped when I unplugged it. Well my question is, would this sensor not allow the boat to start if the sensor is bad and make the oil pressure read 0? I plan on ordering the sensor today, but want to make sure I dont need to check anything else or buy anything else. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... With the key On, 'n the motor not runnin', zero oil pressure is expected,.....

Ya probably oughta start at the battery terminals, 'n work yer way, away from the battery, takin' all the connections apart, sandin' 'em to shiny clean metal, 'n reassemble 'em,...
Includin' the Grounds,....

The sensors, alarms, 'n ignition sub-systems are independent of the startin'/ crankin' electrical sub-system,.....

The battery terminals, 'n Grounds are common to All the electrical sub-systems,....

 

[tpenfield]

To expand on Bondo's point, it probably is not the oil sensor, since the oil pressure is '0' before you start the engine. if it prevented starting when the pressure is '0', then the engine could never be started.

 

[0430USMC]

Both batteries in the boat are less than three months old. Maybe it's the starter?

 

[Bondo]

Both batteries in the boat are less than three months old. Maybe it's the starter?

Ayuh,.... When the batteries were installed, were ALL the connections cleaned to shiny metal Clean, assembled, 'n coated to stop corrosion,..??

While it's possible the starter died, 1st step is to Clean the connections, 'n be Sure it's gettin' solid clean Power,....

A thin film of unseen corrosion is the most likely problem, but hey, go ahead , 'n replace the starter if that's what ya wanta do,.....

'round here, We prefer to Diagnose the issue, 'n fix it, rather than throwin' parts at it, Hopin' to get it right,.....

 

[gm280]

Before pulling off the starter and such, check the batteries and make absolute certain they, or at least the cranking battery is fully charged. That has to be your first point of attention.

 

[Scott Danforth]

fully charge batteries
clean all contacts shiney clean - as in can eat off of them clean
if anything is green and fuzzy replace it.
all contacts tight, then coat with electrical varnish

 

[0430USMC]

I have the batteries are on the charger right now. They were at 86% and 90% when I hooked them up. The connections look good on the boat, but I will clean them off with a wire brush just in case.

I just don't believe it is a connection issue. I could totally be wrong, but I have taken the boat out a lot this year and it has never given me any issues with starting besides before I put the new batteries in. The day I had issues (a few days ago), the boat turned over for about 1 sec. I initially thought it was the battery, so I pulled the truck around and try to jump it. Even with the truck hooked up, it wont even turn over, it would just click once when I turn the ignition over, not the fast click like it is dead. That's when I notice my alarm going off also and disconnected the oil sensor and the alarm stopped. So i figured it might be in common, but with the knowledge here, I realize they are not connected issues. Since the boat is not turning over when it is hooked to the truck, I rule out the alternator, because it should start with a charged battery. The only reason I think it might be the started is because how it clicks once when I turn the ignition over.

Thanks for all the help on here guys. All the assistance is appreciated!

 

[BRICH1260]

I had a similar problem last year, just a click with the turn of the key. I knew the batteries were good. Prepared myself to replace the starter. It would eventually start but caused a few minutes of frustrations waiting for it to do so. My terminals looked good. I ended up jiggling the battery cables running to the starter back and forth near the starter stud terminals. Had no problems the rest of the season. Apparently had a little crud/corrosion between the cable and the starter post.

 

[Bondo]

The only reason I think it might be the started is because how it clicks once when I turn the ignition over.

Ayuh,.... Many times corrosion can't be seen, yet won't pass power,...

Boats use 2 solenoids, it might be the slave clickin', 'n corrosion in the connections 'tween it, 'n the primary solenoid on the starter,...

 

[Lou C]

Common causes for this are corroded terminals on the starter solenoid (that often right under the water drain for the exhaust manifold) and corroded, dirty or loose battery ground terminals on the engine bell housing (the bolts are often behind the exhaust hose). I had a small drip from the mani drain right above the starter and it caused an intermittent no crank condition. That lil drip of salt water turned the solenoid terminals into a corroded mess. Installed a new $30 solenoid and I'm still using that starter 7 years later. Also the battery cables can get green corrosion in them and at that point they should be replaced with marine tinned cables.

Remember electricity has to travel in a circle (circuit) and it takes a lot of amps to crank a starter. Excessive resistance prevents enough amps from getting to the starter.

 

[0430USMC]

Thanks for all the information guys. It has been raining the last couple days. I will try and get to all the connections this weekend and give an update. Thanks again!