Need Help with Boat

[K_Arts]

Ok guys... I got a stupid question.



I was working on the Boat today preping it for the season. I just bought the boat last summer, so it is fairly new... and of course it is my first one.



Well, being that work got in the way last year, I didn't get to put much time on it to break it in, only about 6. 5 hours. I talked to a couple boat dealers in the area and they all stressed not to change the break in oil that soon. They all said that I need to wait the initial 20hours, but to be safe, go ahead and change the oil filter. So I did so.



I got the battery charged up today and put all the hoses back in place. So after the battery charged, I went ahead and hooked it up. I put the key in the boat ignition and turned the key ovet to ACC to make sure everything is getting power. Here's the weird thing. When I turn the key I get a couple of sequencial beeps showing that everything is ok. The initial sequence is showing that everything is fine, but the light on the dash keeps blinking at me telling me that I'm out of oil.



Could this just be since the boat has been sitting for the last couple of months, all of the oil has dripped down into the pan? Why would the sender unit say that I'm outta oil? I was going to take the boat out tomorrow morning for a test run, but now I'm not sure it is a good idea.



Anyone have any ideas? Can I start my motor outta water and run it for a couple of seconds to get the oil pump working? What should I do?

 

[roycrown]

Don't even think about starting it without hooking up a garden hose and motor flusher to the water intake. Even just a few seconds without water can damage the water pump. Changing your filter, if you did not or cannot fill it with oil first may be the cause. Unhook the coil wire, to prevevt it from starting, and crank the motor over untill you see oil pressure.

 

[K_Arts]

I did fill the new oil filter with oil, so I know I have enough oil. What do you mean by disconnect the coil wire? I don't understand.



Thanks



Kev

 

[AlK]

Kev,

On my boat I have a safety switch that I can flip which shuts the motor down. Then I can turn the ignition key and the motor will turn over but will not start. If your boat does not have such a switch, then either pull the coil wire which goes to the distributor or pull the spark plug cables off all the spark plugs - this will prevent the motor from starting but it will crank and build up the oil pressure. Unless your motor has a radiator do not under any circumstances start it without hooking it up to a flushing device.

---

Al

 

[Champane Flight]

Probably

It is probably a low oil pressure switch/light. It will most likely go out as soon as the engine is started. Go down to your local Wally world and get a a flush attachment. Slip it over your water intakes on you lower unit. Hook up your hose and turn the water on. Then fire her up, don't rev it any, just let it idle. Your light should go out. Also, you should check your lower unit for grease. I change mine every fall and replace the teflon/rubber washers on the screws.



Wear warm cloths, if you get in the water this time of year,take a deep breath!

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I also have an oil pressure alarm, mine goes off till the motor is running for a few seconds. Does it all the time starting the boat when it's cold (the motor). Dosen't do it when the engine is warm.



I would change the oil anyway, could have condensation in the crankcase.



Did you use oil stabilizer?

Did you use gas Stabilizer?

Did you keep a full tank of gas in it all winter?



I also pull the spark plugs (can I say spark plug on the TDR), and spray a little oil in each cylinder before I start it at the beginning of each season.



HAPPY BOATING!!



Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[sdalton]

K_ARTS, How long did you run it without the water hose hooked up. Go on, fess up.

 

[K_Arts]

Well guys, I took the boat out to the lake today... and I have to say Thanks for the help!!!



I started my boat up and the oil pressure light went out right away. Whooo was I relieved.



TORQUE THIS - Yepp, I used a Gas Stabilizer with full tank of fuel. No oil stabilizer though. I pulled the dipstick and the oil still looks brand new. I was really debating on changing the spark plugs but working on my boat sucks! You literally have to take the entire engine compartment apart to do anything. Which takes a minimum of 2 hours and a lot of involved frustration.



sdalton - I took your guys advice and didn't start it out of water at all! A buddy called me and stressed highly not to do that, do to there being a high percentage of chance that I could break a part inside of my impeller and the last thing I need to do is break something... LOL



Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help!!!!



Kev

 

[RonaldLarson]

I sure recomend...

getting some "ear muffs" so you can run the boat out of the water. Good for tune up checks, water pump flow verification and shifter adjustments, all of which you will be doing.

Try to find an owners manual for your boat and read it from cover to cover. You will be a better and happier boater!

Also suggest that you contact your local Power Squadron or Coast guard Auxilliary and attend their excellent boating safety classes. Lots of very important info to be had. The rules of the road for boats are quite different from cars.

Enjoy!

Ron