Oil level warning signal

[ToJo]

Had irratic frequent beeps from warning buzzer with 97 Merc 60 HP. I discovered that the oil level switch is a two part apparatus with a magnet of some type inside the tank and a small switch device about two inches long which is inserted into the bottom of the tank and it apparently works off the magnet inside the tank when the oil level gets too low. Since the magnet device is a part of the tank and the tank costs sixty + dollars, I bought the $14 switch and I am going to see if that will fix it. If not, I will have to buy the tank also unless someone knows another solution. Anyone had a problem with the magnet inside the tank? If so, how does the thing work and what does it look like? Is there any way to fix it without buying a new tank?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Oil level warning signal

They seem to fall off quite often, but you can test them by dumping the oil and turning the tank upside down

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Oil level warning signal

Very common failure unfortunately. There is a ring magnet that is glued to the bottom of a float that moves up and down a cylinder in the oil tank. The magnet comes unglued from the float and drops to the bottom of the tank. The sensor then is fooled into thinking the oil level is low. Never heard of anyone fixing it. Not a big problem though. Simply make it a part of your routine to top up the oil tank whenever you refill on gas. Not worth the expense of a new tank in which the magnet will fail again.

 

[ToJo]

Re: Oil level warning signal

Thanks for the responses and advice. You would think they would have attached the magnet to the float with something other than glue. But, then they would never sell all of those oil tanks at $60.00 + apiece + all the labor costs that they are able to charge.

 

[papasmurf]

Re: Oil level warning signal

I've fixed quite a few of these tanks with the magnet problems. You need a long thin straight slot screwdriver to get down to the keeper that holds the float on the shaft. Insert it in one of the slots in the keeper and simply unscrew it from the shaft. Clean the float and magnet and use a two part epoxy to reattach the magnet. I use mechanical fingers to place the keeper on the shaft and then just tap it down a little.