Topic: SmartCraft Gauge Misreading Oil Level

This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 2 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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March 21, 2011 at 1:44 pm #276903

jrogers921
Participant

Hello everyone,I have a 2007 PIV with a 200 Opti with warranty until 3/2012. Lately the SmartCraft gauge has been misreading the oil level in the 3 gal oil reservoir in the bilge area. I have always noticed that it underestimates, but lately it seems to be getting worse. When the reservoir is full, the most that the SmartCraft gauge will say that it contains is 1.5-2.0 gallons. Then after the engine has used only 1/4 to 1/3 of the oil, the gauge will give me a low oil warning then an alarm even though the reservoir is 3/4 full. I know there is a good 2.5 gallons of oil in there and the gauge will read less than 0.5 gallons. So lately I am having to keep the reservoir topped off to avoid the low oil warning. Anyone have any suggestions? Is there a way to reset the sensor? Also was wondering if the low oil warning will shut down the engine if it is ignored? Thanks!

March 21, 2011 at 2:28 pm #276904

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Mine does the same thing, I read the book lastnight will more then likely re-calibrate it to see if that fixes the problem. I think the only time it will go into save mode is when the upper tank on the motor is not full.

March 21, 2011 at 2:36 pm #276905

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The Warranty on the engine runs out in 2012, though the P & A warranty on engine components expired earlier and are only under the standard three year warranty. We think the problem is the float in the oil tank is saturated since the sending unit seems to be working. These are old fashioned Rochester sending units, with pivot arms and coils. They also fail which is why we left them in the boat fuel tanks for WEMA style senders. The cork float can be replaced easily, though you will need to force the oil tank opening to an oblong shape with vise grips or a clamp of some type, otherwise you will be buying a new sending unit. BCBLast edited by Bass Cat Boats on March 21st, 2011, 2:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.

March 21, 2011 at 4:00 pm #276906

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Thanks for the info guys. BCB, is the cork float a specific type or Merc part for this application? If so then I guess it should be purchased/ordered through Merc or a Merc dealer?

March 21, 2011 at 4:24 pm #276907

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Any cork float from an automotive parts sending unit would be the same size and work.
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