Constant alarm but water pump working - Johnson 1996 40hp EL

[blackrick]

I bought an 99 alumacraft dominator with 1996? Johnson 40hp EL with direct inject. I had the engine serviced/winterized last winter. I started using the boat about every weekend (at least every Saturday, if not Saturday and Sunday) starting mid April. On a trip last week, the warning alarm started and was constant, but the water pump was flowing and the engine did not appear to be overheating. (The manual says a constant alarm indicates overheating.) I tried everything to stop the alarm, and eventually unfastened the oil container and shook it up. The alarm stopped shortly after I did that.

Then this past weekend the alarm started again and was constant. I finally realized that the oil was really low--less than 1/5 full. Could extremely low oil be the reason the alarm is sound, and not because the engine is overheating? Also, I assume the evinrude oil that I see in the stores is the best oil to use. Is this the case?

Thanks in advance for answering this novice's questions.

TJ

[ChampioNman]

That would be correct, you should use a TCW-3 rated oil. BRP XD-30 is a good choice.

[blackrick]

Thanks for the quick response ChampioNman.

Just a quick follow up to clarify: Do you mean correct as to the my diagnosis of the problem -- that extremely low oil is causing the alarm -- and that I should use evinrude oil, or just correct as to the type of oil?

Thanks again.

[ChampioNman]

Yes your diagnosis is correct. Of course we like to see everybody use BRP products but any quality TCW-3 rated oil will work.

[ELGIN]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blackrick &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I bought an 99 alumacraft dominator with 1996? Johnson 40hp EL with direct inject. TJ</TD></TR></TABLE>

A 1996 40HP with direct injection?????????

Im with CM here but the reason you get a solid horn is the oil tank sensor has been replaced at some time with an upgraded System check oil tank sensor.

[blackrick]

I think it is a 1996. Could be a 1998 or 1999.

I will fill the oil container to the top with BRP oil.

Thanks for the info and assistance.

[ELGIN]

Post a model number and we can better answer your question.

[blackrick]

Unfortunately, I store my boat about 50 miles away near the lake I fish. I have the manual in front of me though. On the front of the manual looks to be a serial number, or some other kind of identifying number: #G 0378 7301. Does this help? Otherwise, I will reply again next Friday.

Thanks again ELGIN and ChampioNman.

[blackrick]

The Model is J40TLEOD. Let me know if that helps. Thanks.

[SEAHORSE]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blackrick &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Model is J40TLEOD. Let me know if that helps. Thanks. </TD></TR></TABLE>

That is a 1995 model and does not have the SystemCheck warning lights.

Your oil tank pickup assembly is either faulty or the wrong one as was suggested in a previous post. You can disconnect it then monitor the oil level visually or purchase a new pickup or tank assembly.