496HO Oil Pressure
 

Hey Guys:

My 26 Outlaw (496HO) typically runs about 40 PSI of oil pressure at idle and close to 60 PSI at higher RPM's (above 4000). Recently I noticed that after I run the boat at higher RPMs (4500) for a period of time when I pull back to idle the oil pressure falls to around 20 PSI. It will slowly creep back up to 30 - 40 after 10 minutes or so at idle. Is this a concern or problem ?

I am using Mercury 25W-40 synthetic blend oil with the Mercury oil filter. There is about 20 hours on the oil since its last oil change.

Thanks,

Steve

That is how mine runs as well....normal. As the oil cools higher pressure returns.

sounds fine.. I run a K&N HP3002 oil filter instead of the merc filter, flows better IMO

When the oil gets hot it thins out. The pressure comes back when the oil cools down. As long as your minimum pressure is above 10 psi at idle, you will be fine. Just be sure to do frequent oil changes and use good oil.

I have been using the Merc oil filters but I think I am going to try the K & N this oil change as everyone seems to think they are superior to the Merc.

Thats exactly how my 26 runs. normal. IIRC, your boat is pretty new to you, right? If so, you may not need to change toe oil yet at 20 hrs, but check the level. Mine was about a quart low after about 30-40. I think Im going to change it out completely after about 50.

Pressure sounds right Steve, dont waste the money on the K&N, the Merc filter willl work fine, the K&N wont change the oil pressure!

+1
The K&N helped my oil pressure.

Try running 20-50 that will help too.

Question....where is the oil pressure sending unit? Between the oil pump/filter, or after the filter?

i run a qt of lucas oil stable with every oil change and it seems to help a bit. i run the big merc racing filter.
my boat does the same thing tho once the oil gets hot.
done it since new