2007 4.3L Mercruiser Engine MPI Alarm

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
I'm looking for a bit of guidance and a fresh perspective. I do understand the issue should ultimately be diagnosed via computer, and I already have that scheduled.

The problem arises at around 3500 RPMs, where I get a single, constant alarm along with a slight reduction in power. When I reduce the throttle, it transitions to a two-beep alarm that lasts for roughly five minutes. I have VesselView connected, but no error codes are being triggered.

The screenshots below were taken after replacing two sensors. I changed the water pressure sensor, as it was clearly reading incorrectly (PSI should be in the 15–20 range). The oil temperature consistently shows 32°F both at idle and under load. Engine temperature doesn’t exceed 100°F in either condition. Initially, the thermostat was missing from the housing; I installed a new one, but the engine still won’t reach normal operating temperature.

This has me stumped. Oil pressure and voltage readings are within spec. I also used an IR gun to check the risers, thermostat housing, and other areas where coolant flows—none are even close to the expected 160°F operating temp.

I'm hoping to pick someone's brain here, as I feel like I might be overthinking this. The engine isn’t overheating, but it seems like there's too much cooling, which is just as concerning.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3485.PNG
    IMG_3485.PNG
    170.1 KB · Views: 5
  • IMG_3486.PNG
    IMG_3486.PNG
    158.7 KB · Views: 5

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,785
Looks like it might be the water pressure reading, 2.2 psi is low for that rpm.
 

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
Agreed, but the engine isn't overheating and that's a new water pressure sensor.
 

Stinnett21

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
561
Are the screen shots before or after the thermostat was added back in?
 

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
After. Here's a before reading
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3396.PNG
    IMG_3396.PNG
    168.9 KB · Views: 3

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,785
Motor serial number?
All those sensors get info from the 5V reference coming from the ECM/PCM. Measure the Gray wire connection on either the water pressure, TMAP to see if it's exactly 5V
 

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
Motor serial number?
All those sensors get info from the 5V reference coming from the ECM/PCM. Measure the Gray wire connection on either the water pressure, TMAP to see if it's exactly 5V
Electrical is far out of my realm of understanding. and the engine was is a refurbished jasper engine, I can't find a serial number
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,785
Electrical is far out of my realm of understanding. and the engine was is a refurbished jasper engine, I can't find a serial number
Well being a I'll use manual 32 for now

Measuring voltage is take the black probe on ground. Ground is any clean bare metal attached to the engine block. Can also use battery negative.

Take the red probe and on the gray wire on the water pressure sensor from the rear of it while attached to sensor.

Place the meter on DC volts (DCV)

Turn key on and see what it reads, and then start motor and see if voltage stays the same
 

Fun Times

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
9,158
Though the oil temp reads 32, there isn’t (shouldn’t be) an oil temp sensor from new to that generally a 32 reading is a unplugged default setting for certain sensor options and is usually considered ignored within the ECM to not sound a warning horn of those preset options.
 

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
Though the oil temp reads 32, there isn’t (shouldn’t be) an oil temp sensor from new to that generally a 32 reading is a unplugged default setting for certain sensor options and is usually considered ignored within the ECM to not sound a warning horn of those preset options.
I’ll unplug it and test
 

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
Though the oil temp reads 32, there isn’t (shouldn’t be) an oil temp sensor from new to that generally a 32 reading is a unplugged default setting for certain sensor options and is usually considered ignored within the ECM to not sound a warning horn of those preset options.
You are correct.
 

Nord2903

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
76
Now that I am thinking about it and researched it a little. Is it possible the sea water circular pump on the engine has failed or is failing? Trying to also determine if the water pump is before or after the water pressure sensor as far as flow?
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,785
It's not the circulating water pump, that pump has next to nothing to do with pressure or circulation. The sensor is before everything on the motor.
 
Top