www.iFourWinns.com

Hola! I have a "new to me" 238 Vista which I've gotten on the water twice now. My question is.....when I open the throttle up to about 2/3 speed, my oil gauge jumps up into the red area at the high end of the pressure gauge. If I throttle it back I can get it back under the red but I can't go full out (haven't even tried yet) without the needle getting up into the red. My temp gauge is right in the middle so it's not creating temp issues in the engine. Anyone have any ideas? Could it be the gauge isn't calibrated correctly? Could I have some type of blockage in the oil lines? I don't want to damage the engine or oil pump but I'm not sure how to proceed. Any direction would be greatly appreciated!



Thad

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

I would:

1. Change the oil if you haven't done so so you know it is clean and, more importantly that it is the correct weight.
2. Remove the wires at the pressure sender and make sure they are clean and corrosion free.
3. Remove, clean, and reseat the main engine harness. They can come loose and get a bit of corrosion. My 248 Vista was acting strange because of this connection. It is round, has a large black boot with a hose clamp holding it secure.
4. Purchase a oil pressure gauge, Harbor Freight sells one for less than $20. Check it independent of the gauge on the cluster.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Great stuff! I will print this out and take it to the boat with me. I'll have to locate the main engine harness but it may be identified in the owners manual. Thanks so much!

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

Those VDO gauges can give entertaining readings. The set on my 1999 boat was OK, but many people report problems. However, oil pressure from the pump does increase with RPM, it's controlled by a pressure relief valve. That may be jammed You need to get a mechanical gauge on it or borrow another sender ( the VDO relies on an electric sender)

Graham

Do you think I would see any spike in temp if the oil pressure were truly high? The manual outlines the effects of low oil pressure (temp usually goes up) but says nothing about high oil pressure. Just don't want to blow a seal or something.

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

Abnormally high engine oil pressure can cause seals to fail (from experience, but not on the V8, the oil filter seal ! ) and premature wear of bearings but doesn't necessarily affect the temperature. You really need to verify what the real oil pressure is ( mechanical gauge). The main engine harness connector referred to is on the black box with breakers on the starboard riser.

Graham

A call to action! Thanks for the advice Graham!

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

UPDATE: Got a $75 oil change it turned out I didn't need. Feeling confident it's the oil sensor now. If I run it full throttle and it's not warm yet, the oil sensor will go all the way to the end of the red and then drop down to the other end (low) setting off the alarm. If I've let it warm up and go full throttle, it just goes to the end of the red and stays there. Yea!! I get to spend more money!!!

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

I'm betting it's the VDO gauge . Lots of problems with those . I replaced mine this spring . 1000.00 bucks .

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1998 VISTA 258