2000 Sea Ray 185 - Zero Oil Pressure On Gauge

[Glocker]

Hi folks! I'm relatively new to boating and my wife and I are going into our 3rd season with our little 185. Last summer, On an outing early into the season, I looked down and my heart skipped a beat when I saw zero oil pressure on the gauge. My mind settled down though when I realized we were still running and smoothly on plain without our 4.3 grenading.

I want to tackle this pretty early on this season (like next weekend maybe?) and I'd love some pointers. My first thought is to check the oil pressure sensor, and to make sure it's hooked up properly. Second thought is to change the unit entirely. Can anybody show me a photo of where that is on my engine, as I couldn't find it using the Google machine. Also, what is the appropriate replacement part for the sensor, as I seem to remember seeing two different looking parts come up on a recent Amazon search. And lastly, is there anything else I should be looking out for to make sure I cover all my cases getting my gauge reading oil pressure again?

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[BillK2632]

There is an oil pressure sensor that sends an oil pressure signal to your gauges, there is also an oil pressure switch that shuts off the fuel pump when there is no oil pressure. Both are located port side below the spark plugs - at least on my 1999, think yours is the same. Since the engine is still running with the gauge reading -0- I would start by testing the gauge. It is unlikely you really have no oil pressure - the gauge and the pressure switch would not go bad at the same time. I would start by checking the connections at the oil pressure sender and at the back of the gauge - very likely a loose or corroded connection is the problem. The wire to the gauge is light blue I believe.

 

[Glocker]

There is an oil pressure sensor that sends an oil pressure signal to your gauges, there is also an oil pressure switch that shuts off the fuel pump when there is no oil pressure. Both are located port side below the spark plugs - at least on my 1999, think yours is the same. Since the engine is still running with the gauge reading -0- I would start by testing the gauge. It is unlikely you really have no oil pressure - the gauge and the pressure switch would not go bad at the same time. I would start by checking the connections at the oil pressure sender and at the back of the gauge - very likely a loose or corroded connection is the problem. The wire to the gauge is light blue I believe.

Thank you! I'll chase it down in the order you described!

 

[Glocker]

There is an oil pressure sensor that sends an oil pressure signal to your gauges, there is also an oil pressure switch that shuts off the fuel pump when there is no oil pressure. Both are located port side below the spark plugs - at least on my 1999, think yours is the same. Since the engine is still running with the gauge reading -0- I would start by testing the gauge. It is unlikely you really have no oil pressure - the gauge and the pressure switch would not go bad at the same time. I would start by checking the connections at the oil pressure sender and at the back of the gauge - very likely a loose or corroded connection is the problem. The wire to the gauge is light blue I believe.

So I hit a good size wake on Saturday and now magically I have oil pressure again.
That actually kind of helps narrow down the issue! But I noticed my engine runs suspiciously cool; like zero degrees. I'll diagnose that next!

 

[BillK2632]

Loose connection somewhere.