Lost oil pressure both engines same time

[Mike F]

Have the engines been rebuilt or are they the original from Merc?

Original from Merc

[Mike F]

So Mike, did the mechanical gage verify that in fact there was "low" oil pressure?

The mechanical gauge verified low oil pressure.

[Capt Rick Hiott]

What are you calling low? How much?

[Mike F]

What are you calling low? How much?

Abruptly drops to nothing.

[AndyG]

Are you sure that you have the correct type of oil in the engines?

[Capt Rick Hiott]

Billin said "3) The oil level is too HIGH and the crank is aerating the oil into a froth."

Im pretty sure they have a windage tray in the marine motors to stop that, plus it would take some hellacious RPM's to cause that.

How often did he change the oil?

It might be the pick-up tube thats in the bottom of the oil pan. It sounds like something is clogged? I have also seen where the pick-up tube angle is flat on the bottom of the pan,,, Some people weld them so they cant sink down all the way to the pan like this. Have the mechanic check the angle of the pick-up tube coming off of the oil pump.

They do have a screen over them too.

Another thing you can check is the bottom of the distributor. It drives the oil pump off of the cam shaft. Its very rare for it to go bad though.

Ya gotta let us know what it was when you find out!

Edited August 28, 2009 by Capt Rick Hiott

[Capt Rick Hiott]

Another thing I thought about is the oil drain holes in the heads. Have him remove the valve covers and look at them.

[Mike F]

Another thing I thought about is the oil drain holes in the heads. Have him remove the valve covers and look at them.

He did pull the valve covers and intake and appeared to be very clean. They added a half a quart of oil to each engine and took the boat out this weekend. Oil pressure was fine and no alarms.

[Capt Rick Hiott]

I wonder if they have the correct dip stick in the motor?

[AndyG]

I was wondering the same thing - added a 1/2 qt of oil and all is well now?

Either the level is low - much lower than 1/2 qt down but maybe adding a 1/2 qt is enough for the sensors not to sound the alarm.

I would confirm that the level is at the full line when the boat is lying at rest (level).

Also, as stated above - you may want to confirm that you have the correct dip stick length for your engine.

To the original OP - did anyone confirm the oil level during this ordeal?