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  135 Blackmax oil injection alarm

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Author Topic:   135 Blackmax oil injection alarm
crbenny posted 01-23-2005 01:12 PM ET (US)   Profile for crbenny   Send Email to crbenny  
My '87 18 Outrage has the original Merc on it and I'm very pleased with the performance, however I had a scare and I'm not sure I believe the alarm. Oil tank is full and filling as it should. When cold I'll get the pulsing alarm and reduced power. The exh. indicates I'm getting oiling and the water temp is correct and stable. After part throttle for a few minutes, the alarm clears and the engine takes off requiring me to cut back on the throttle. It won't clear with idle speeds and it won't happen again until I stop and cool down. If the pump failed or if a sensor were bad or a hose were cracked or leaky, this wouldn't be temporary. Does the pulsing alarm indicate anything besides oil injection? Is there a timing retard that limits the engine in an alarm state? Could I have a 12 VDC loss somewhere that limits power and sets the alarm off? I know several will simply say to remove the system and mix and that's an option but I'd like to keep the system as I believe they're more reliable than most people believe. Any input is appreciated guys..
Clark Roberts posted 01-23-2005 01:34 PM ET (US)     Profile for Clark Roberts  Send Email to Clark Roberts     
Check that remote tank caps and hoses are ok and check the level in the under cowling ready tank. It would be a good idea to loosen the little black cap (with engine running) and make sure there is no air inside. When oil runs over then tighten the cap. This will also test the delivery of oil from the remote tank. Check the plastic hose that carries the oil from the ready tank to the oil pump... replace if suspect! Make a mark on the remote tank and run engine (preferably with a spare 6 gal tank with oil added for safety) to see if oil level goes down as it should. If all is well and you still get the beep, beep, beep oil warning then the oil level sensor (two blue wires from ready tank to alarm module) may be bad. Disconnect either blue wire and if alarm goes away then it's a bad sensor. If alarm does not go away it's likely that the alarm module is faulty. I would not disconnect and mix oil as I have owned over 50 Mercs with oil injection (currently am running six) and only problems have been a couple of oil level sensors and one alarm module. Check it out! Happy Whalin'... Clark... Spruce Creek Navy
crbenny posted 01-23-2005 01:55 PM ET (US)     Profile for crbenny  Send Email to crbenny     
Why do I loose power in alarm mode?
Clark Roberts posted 01-23-2005 06:36 PM ET (US)     Profile for Clark Roberts  Send Email to Clark Roberts     
It's a design feature to protect engine against damage and isn't smart enough to detect a false alarm.
crbenny posted 01-23-2005 08:34 PM ET (US)     Profile for crbenny  Send Email to crbenny     
Please don't take this the wrong way Clark but, are you sure about the power limit under alarm or is that an educated guess? Every reply, verbal or written, seems to feel the alarm is a product of the power loss, not the other way around. My '91 Johnson with VRO would go into alarm and not limit power.. is Mercury different?
Clark Roberts posted 01-24-2005 04:54 AM ET (US)     Profile for Clark Roberts  Send Email to Clark Roberts     
In my old age I'm not 100% sure of anything! All my Mercs have worked the way I described and yes, they are different from OMC engines. Suggest you get a repair manual and introduce yourself to the particulars of your engine and also suggest that you consult a qualified Mercury technition. Happy Whalin'... Clark
Buckda posted 01-24-2005 09:39 AM ET (US)     Profile for Buckda  Send Email to Buckda     
Crbenny-

LHG had a similar problem with his '85 Merc. Black Max 150 HP this summer.

I'll e-mail him and point him here so he can share what the problem was. In the meantime, perhaps if you search the forum, he has already provided this information. It would have been August 2004 or more recent, as the problem occurred in August.

crbenny posted 01-24-2005 06:15 PM ET (US)     Profile for crbenny  Send Email to crbenny     
That would be great! Thanks.
LHG posted 01-25-2005 03:56 PM ET (US)     Profile for LHG    
Clark's information is correct, as usual.

I had the same problem on a 1988 Merc 150, and, after checking the engine oil reservoir cap sensor, it was a faulty alarm module, which co-ordinates four different sensors, I was told. The continuous beeping you are hearing is an intended design feature, since it alerts you to a module failure, which would then leave you unprotected for an injection component failure. It's about a $230 part, about the size of a package of cigarettes. Take it in for service, and they can check out the whole system at the same time.

The dumbest thing you could do would be to disconnect the oil injection system. Mercury's system is bulletproof, just a little smokey for the first couple of minutes on start-up

crbenny posted 01-25-2005 07:41 PM ET (US)     Profile for crbenny  Send Email to crbenny     
Thanks guys. I appreciate your input. My factory service manual came in today. The troubleshooting procedures are terrific and with your two cents, I'm sure I'll have it straightened out in no time.

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