Oil Level Warning

[Graham]

Greetings, This morning my 1993 60 hp Merc (Model 1060412PD) started doing the pulsing oil level warning even through the oil tank is nearly full. I removed the magnetic sensing switch and found that it appears to be working properly (normally open, but closes when a magnetic is near). Whether the tank is full or empty, it is closed when the tank is in its normal postion (upright). When empty, if I turn the tank upsidedown, it opens. <br /><br />I assume there is a floating magnet that is of such intensity that it activates the switch when a certain distance away. It looks like the magnet is no longer floating. Is this a common problem with Mercury motors of this vintage? The only solution (other than disconnecting the sensor) is to replace the tank? I tried tapping it while empty in case the magnet moves on a post of some sort and was stuck -- no joy. <br /><br />Can anyone provide any suggestions? Thanks in advance!<br />

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Oil Level Warning

Graham, pat yourself on the back...you are right in the assumption that something is wrong with the tank. it would seem something so simple would be foolproof, but once again engineered plastics fail us.....I have changed many of these tanks for precisely the same reason, the magnet sunk.

 

[gboon]

Re: Oil Level Warning

I have an 88, 70hp that did the same thing. I was able to remove the keeper on the float with a long thin screw driver and found the magnet had come off the float. I figured that if Mercury could not get it to stick, I probably wouldn't find any adheasve that would work either. Both the float and magnet were washer shaped, so I used some fine copper wire to wrap the magnet to the float. Don't use too much wire or the whole thing will sink. I used the screw driver to slide the float back on the guide in the tank but I don't remember how I put the keeper back on. I probably used some long needle nose pliers like you use for removeing fish hooks. I did this 8 or 9 years ago and it is still working.

 

[Graham]

Re: Oil Level Warning

Hello Guys! <br /><br />Thanks for the reassurance/verification. I'll have to try to fish around in there to find the magical magnet.<br /><br />If it is an electrical prople -- no problem for me, but those carburetors, etc. I'll leave to experts like you all.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Graham

 

[TONY H]

Re: Oil Level Warning

I JUST went through this with my Yamaha. A little different setup but the same basic floating magnet switch deal.<br />My switch assembly was easy to pull out of the top of the tank Like a rubber cork.<br /><br />good luck.