2008 SN 206 - oil pressure warning after heavy use

[Davidpsalt]

I changed my oil recently and used the wrong oil (5w-30) and began getting a low oil pressure warning after running and bringing it down to idle - I immediately changed the oil and used PCM's recommended 15w-40 and all is well.

However, this past week-end I ran it at WOT for less than a minute or so and when I brought it back down to idle when pulling into the dock I got the low oil pressure warning again (down at 5psi or below) but when revving up a bit would go away as pressure increased.

Next day ran a few sets at 3,000 or so RPM's (speedo not working per earlier post) and when pulling into the dock I got the warning again.

This boat has the EX 343 motor, has 900 hours on it and runs very strong - starts up imediatly every time, runs well, no blue smoke, etc.

Looking for some advise here - hoping that my rings aren't warn - has been well taken care of - prev owner did all oil changes and maintenance regularily .. etc.

Could my OP sensor be wrong? Only way to test with a manual OP gauge?

Thanks for any advise ...

[ddipert]

Your sensor could be bad but would be easy and cheap to fix. The rings will not cause the oil pressure to be low, bearings could.

I would start with the sensor. I doubt that this is it but worth a look.
How long did you run it with the wrong oil?
How old is your "new" (15w-40)oil? as oil is broken down it will get thiner and could cause lower pressures.
Could be sucking in air from the oil pickup? Pickup could be loose or the oil sloshing aways from the pickup tube.
Is the oil over filled and becoming frothy?

[Davidpsalt]

Agreed on the sensor - I will pick one up and swap to see if this fixes it.

I only ran with the wrong oil for 2 hours or so - then changed to the correct oil.

The new oil has only been run in for about 4 hours or so hence am sure it is good and not thinned.

I will double check to ensure it is not over filled -

Thanks for the reply - will post a follow up after the week-end when I can check these things and run her through her paces.