High oil pressure reading

[Chamil1204]

Hi. Looking for advice on what may be causing the oil gauge to read high on Mercruiser 3.0 LX. The gauge jumps up to 80 and stays pinned at max even when the boat is not started but just battery on with key on accessory. I would be grateful for Any help. Thx

 

[achris]

Faulty gauge, faulty sender, damaged (grounded) wire...

Chris.........

 

[Chamil1204]

Okay, I’ll check/replace those. I’m new to boating so this is all a learning experience. Many thx

 

[achris]

Don't just replace all those, do some diagnostics and just replace/fix what needs fixing.

1. Find the oil pressure sender. Pretty sure it's a light blue wire,I think on the starboard side of those engines. Remove the wire from the sender. Gauge reads zero (with the key on). Replace sender. Gauge still reads high, step 2. (Refit wire to sender)

2. Disconnect light blue wire from the back of the gauge. Gauge reads high, replace gauge. Gauge low, step 3.

3. Find pinched/grounded wire.

Just had a thought. I'll check on my boat in the morning (it's night here at the moment).. a missing gauge ground might do it to. Let me check... In the morning...

Chris...

 

[Scott Danforth]

agreed, proper diagnosing costs $0 and saves you thousands.

never ever just throw parts at a problem.

 

[achris]

...Just had a thought. I'll check on my boat in the morning (it's night here at the moment).. a missing gauge ground might do it to. Let me check... In the morning...

Chris...

Just pulled the ground wire off my oil pressure gauge, and ..... it pegs high... So that is also something to check. Ground wire on the gauge (test light to the purple)...

Chris..

 

[Chamil1204]

That was it! The ground wire was loose.... I jiggled the wires in back and wella! Gauge reads normal now. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude. It was very nice of you to take the time to check on your boat.... thx again.