Oil guage displaying sporadically

[Matt Garcia]

After a few hours or riding today I noticed my oil gauge started to frantically jump from 0 to 40 psi. However this only happened while traveling more than 10+mph. The faster I went the more it read less psi. While idiling or driving slow it read fine.

I checked the oil and it was fine and the theperature was normal. Is is just a band sensor or more than that?

I have an 01 350 Mecruiser MPI.

[smendez]

Matt:

I was waiting for someone more qualified to answer this, but they're probably still enjoying the holidays

As long as the oil level in your boat's engine is to the correct level you'll probably be ok. However, a faulty oil pump could cause what you're seeing, though I've never heard of this happening. Besides, the engine would probably be getting starved for oil and thus getting very hot, which you mentioned it's not happening.

So, in the end, I agree with you. It's most likely the gauge. I just read that the gauges in the Tige line have a limited lifetime warranty.

Make sure that all connections to the gauge are solid. If they're all ok, then I would definitely bring the boat to the dealer and have them check it over. It'll either cost you nothing for a new gauge, or it may cost some $$ if it's something else. Regardless, a new engine may cost a lot more if you melt this one down.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Saulo

[GIZMO]

Had the same problem with my 02, replaced gauge and sending unit and still had the problem. the dealer ran a new wire straight from the sender to the gauge and that fixed it. The original wire must have a poor connection at one of the connectors. Hope this helps.

GIZMO

[Tige M.D.]

i would have a mechanical gauge hooked to the engine and test for oil psi. it could be the gauge, it could be the sender or wire, but, it could be an oil pump problem or an oil circulation problem. either one could cause catastrophic engine failure. take it to a good mechanic and have it tested properly.