Oil alarm sounding periodically

[Hdk]

I have a 2014 Mercury 150 2 cycle that has only recently started sounding the oil alarm. ** note it only does it when I’m puttering around and not on plane.
Research took me to the reservoir possibly losing its prime. I primed it, yet it sounded again twice the other day while cruising slowly. As soon as I got on plane it quit (again).
I’m looking for help/guidance from someone who’s experienced this or may be a marine mechanic.

 

[jimmbo]

Welcome to iboats

Do you have an Owners Manual? There are several different Alarm Sounds, and having the book would help in identifying the Problem.

 

[Hdk]

No, sure don’t. But everything I’ve found on YouTube indicates a low oil alarm. It’s a loud constant beep.

 

[jimmbo]

When you say 2 Stroke, do you mean Optimax?
I ask, because they really a are different Animal compared with regular 2 stroke, in operation, and in Diagnosis

 

[Hdk]

It’s an XR6, sorry I should have provided that.

 

[jimmbo]

It’s an XR6, sorry I should have provided that.

I wasn't aware that they were still making 2 stroke XR6s in 2014. I thought they quit making them in 96

 

[Hdk]

You’re right Jimmbo, my bad. I gave my truck year. My boat and engine are a 2005. Sorry

 

[jimmbo]

There are 2 reservoirs, the one on the engine, and the remote.
There is a Sensor in the Engine tank. If that tank is full perhaps the wires going to it have shorted

Edit: removed comment until I can verify
I am going to dig a bit deeper regarding the years of the XR6

 

[Hdk]

This is new to my boat. Haven’t had a lick of trouble until this recent thing. I keep it in great shape and clean and now this. I’m nervous about it.

 

[Hdk]

I

 

[Hdk]

I just photographed the main tank and the one attached to the engine.
Are you saying that the wiring going to the small tank on the engine may have a short. Not being a mechanic, I am somewhat confused.

 

[jimmbo]

Check the wires to the sensor for shorts

 

[Hdk]

I realize trying to diagnose from a thread is challenging and I appreciate your patience with someone like me.

 

[Hdk]

Where is the sensor?

 

[jimmbo]

 

[jimmbo]

The Remote tank gets pressurized by a hose from the Crankcase of one of the Cylinders. That pressure is what gets the oil from the remote to the undercowl tank.
Is the tank under the cowl low on oil when alarm sounds?

 

[jimmbo]

Where is the sensor?

#32 and #34 are the sensor. it is on the under cowl tank. It might be a faulty sensor. I don't know if the sensor opens or closes when it detects a low level
I guess you could unhook the wires and see if it goes into alarm, or if it is currently in alarm, see if it quits

 

[Hdk]

Negative, it’s never been below half, BUT the first time the alarm sounded it was half full. I then filled it and primed the aux tank (tank under the hood), thinking just maybe it lost its prime. This past weekend I took it out and it sounded twice. Only when puttering around and the bow was up a bit. (Not on plane)
Previously I would open the compartment where the main oil tank sits and open the tank lid. Generally it would stop the alarm and everything was good until I drove below plane for an extended period.

 

[Hdk]

The tank under the hood is always full, it that was your question.

 

[Hdk]

I have never experienced the alarm while going fast, (on plane).