brass colored particles in oil

[bassangler]

I have a 2005 250 EFI. I have been trying to figure out why the oil reserve (on engine) will not fill up, eventhough the main oil tank is full. Ive had the boat for about a month and have used it a lot, and it has been working fine. I put oil in the main tank twice. The second time I put oil in, I took the boat out and the low oil alarm went off. After checking I found that the reserve was only 3/4 full. I purchased a new remote oil fill cap and attempted to fill the reserve by running the engine with the reserve tank cap off. No oil is is coming to the tank. I then started checking all the oil lines and filters. When I pulled the oil pick up tube from the main tank I noticed very fine brass colored particles on the pick up tube, screen filter, and underneath the cap. What is that? Is this what they call "Gelled oil". I have tournament fished for years and have never let a boat sit for more than two weeks so Ive never seen gelled oil. But I don't know how long this one sat before I bought it. Still can't figure out why the oil want pump into the reserve tank. Please help!

 

[j_martin]

Re: brass colored particles in oil

Don't know what the brass would be, unless someone is messing with you.

If the engine is idleing, or just been shut down, there should be a little pressure on the boat tank. If there isn't, then check the line to the check valve on the block (lower, forward, starboard side) If it's good, replace the check valve.

If you have pressure, then check the screen and oil line. Maybe disconnect it at the T (another check valve) and see if it flows oil. Crud in the oil will plug the screen in the pickup. Replace the oil, or at least run it through a paint filter.

It ain't rocket science. The check valve puts a couple of pounds of pressure on the oil, and the oil flows out the other line and to the tank on the engine.

hope it helps
John

 

[bassangler]

Re: brass colored particles in oil

Thanks J Martin...Before I received your reply I learned about the check valve on the crank case. I was also told by a service tech that the brass particles came from the brass check valve going out. I got one on order from:
www.mercurypartsexpress.com

Thanks again!!!!!

 

[Bear 45/70]

Re: brass colored particles in oil

The only way the engine tank will fill up is if you open the cap while the engine is running and vent out air so the oil can fill the tank. Or just fill it with an oil can.

 

[j_martin]

Re: brass colored particles in oil

Thanks J Martin...Before I received your reply I learned about the check valve on the crank case. I was also told by a service tech that the brass particles came from the brass check valve going out. I got one on order from:
www.mercurypartsexpress.com

Thanks again!!!!!

Didn't know they could fail that violently. "Splains the brass, though.

Thanks
John