[Wurknman]

Hello fellow boaters -- I am new to boating ( but absolutely love it so far ), I recently purchased a 97 mariah with a 5.7 mercruiser. My alarm went off today and I found that the drive oil resevoir was low. After topping this off, the alarm went off, but now it comes on every time I turn the key to start ( which it didnt do before). When I turn the key to start, the alarm sounds. Once the boat starts, the alarm goes off. The gauges all seem fine. Does anyone have a checklist of things I should look at. Also this boat came without a manual --- any ideas on the best place to buy one so that I can better educate myself . THANKS the Wurknman

[Brupa]

Hello,

That is normal for the alarm to go off when you turn on the key until engine starts, That is because there is no oil pressure at that time. That is the alarm for low oil pressure. I don't know why it was not going off before. You should be able to find all the info you need on this site, it is excellent.

Welcome ,

Bruce

[Wurknman]

Thanks for the quick reply Bruce. I am so glad I found this sight. I probably wont be able to contribute much for a while, but sure appreciate you guys that do taking the time to share. Thanks again, Kevin
P.s. Where at in Il. ( I'm in southern Il myself )

[Brupa]

Your Welcome,

Im in northern IL. joliet area. Main boating area illinois river and Lake Michigan.

We do like to go to Lake Shelbyville a couple times a year also.

Enjoy your Mariah!!

[WetWilly]

Hi Wurknman,

Brupa is correct, the alarm going off just before you start the motor is normal, it's telling you the system is functional. Just in case you didn't know, there are three conditions that will set the alarm off while the motors running: one is low outdrive oil as you already found out, two is for loss of oil pressure in the motor and the third is for the motor overheating.

If the alarm should go off while the motors running, try to quickly scan the oil pressure and the motor temp gauges right before you shut the motor down. This way you'll know which one set the alarm off.

As for contributing, don't worry about it. When you've got something just post it anytime

WetWilly

[Wurknman]

Thanks Wet Willy --- love the pic

[WetWilly]