Oil alarm problem on Yamaha 200 HPDI

[mist1188]

I apologize right from my first post. I know this has been covered 1,000 times, I've found some threads concerning it but nothing led me to the posts that had the trouble shooting order to diagnose the problem.
A few weeks ago while on vacation, an alarm began to sound as we headed off shore. My display LCD gauges are pretty much shot, the LCD readout dim, so I shut down the motor.
Removing the cowling, I found the motor not overheating, good flow from the pee hole, and the engine oil tank at the full mark. Restarted the motor and it was in limp mode, which it is supposed to be.
Remote tank was 3/4 full and as I read my engine guide, I found there was a small oil filter on the remote tank. I guess they wear out after 12 years?
I'm kidding and my bad, I wasn't even aware. I understand there is also one on the engine tank as well.
None the less, the alarm as soon as the key is turned on. I removed the remote tank and disconnected it from it's harness and no change.
If someone can direct me to the post that gives me step by step to diagnose I would very much appreciate it. Guess I'll also be needing some filters as well as some other things. LOL
BTW, this remote tank has always, since day one, been a mess. I haven't a clue where the oil comes from but it sure is lousy to clean up. New hoses? Tighter wire ties?
All help is very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[99yam40]

you need to find out what is calling for alarm,
how are you sure it is not an overheat coming in?
Just cause the tell tail is flowing good , you say it is not overheating?

Here is something on an oil level system, but have no idea if it covers your motor. Need to get your hands on a service manual for your motor, makes troubleshooting a lot easier
http://www.yamahaoutboardparts.com/a...sortest_91.jpg

[mist1188]

Definitely not overheating

While the initial alarm had me checking the temperature, 3 days later after the engine was cold, the alarm still sounds immediately when the key is turned on.

[rodbolt17]

without a model number its difficult.
but it could be the water in the fuel detect alarm.

[boscoe99]

Water in fuel system is not supposed to activate the alarm when the engine is in gear. But as a check, disconnect the electrical connector leading to the engine mounted water separating fuel filter and see if that stops the alarm. Don't think so but...

It is difficult to provide trouble shooting help when it is not known what is causing the alarm. If you had a good Yamaha tachometer you could isolate it to either the over temperature system or low oil quantity system.

[mist1188]

Model # Z200TXRZ
I will disconnect the the electric connector to the fuel separator to see if that silences the alarm. I do run a Racor Primary filter on the boat and drain it often to check for water, making the Yamaha separator a secondary. I did look at it and it doesn't appear to have water in it but I'll get back with the results.
Thanks.

[mist1188]

Boscoe99... There is no mention of an alarm due to the fuel/water separator in my small owners manual, at least none that I noticed bouncing around in 2-3' seas. Disconnecting the fuel sensor from the unit silence the alarm. Looking at the fuel, I never saw any distinct water line, nor did my Racor show anything in what was removed. But in pumping the fuel separators full and hitting the key? The alarm is silenced.
Since I wasn't aware of the oil strainer and filter, I will replace those while I'm at it.
Problem solved.
Thanks for your input.
Sincerely,
Steve

[boscoe99]

Boscoe99... There is no mention of an alarm due to the fuel/water separator in my small owners manual, at least none that I noticed bouncing around in 2-3' seas. Disconnecting the fuel sensor from the unit silence the alarm. Looking at the fuel, I never saw any distinct water line, nor did my Racor show anything in what was removed. But in pumping the fuel separators full and hitting the key? The alarm is silenced.
Since I wasn't aware of the oil strainer and filter, I will replace those while I'm at it.
Problem solved.
Thanks for your input.
Sincerely,
Steve

Yam is really bad when it comes to documentation. They make a good product but just are weak, weak, weak on documentation. Attached is some information from a later year Yamaha.

There is a known issue with certain filter cup sensors. They would fail and send a signal to the ECU that there was water in the cup, when really there wasn't any. Sounds like this might have been your problem.

Glad to hear you solved your problem.

[rodbolt17]

on the early run of the HPDI, prior to 04.
the water in the fuel alarm tied into the FMM wiring via a white/red and it would sound the alarm regaurdless of shift position.
even if the rigger failed to hook it up if the FMM harness got wet it can trigger a false alarm.

04 and up Yamaha got stupid and the water detect will ONLY alarm if the shifter is in the N position.
dumb as a box o rocks.

[boscoe99]

on the early run of the HPDI, prior to 04.
the water in the fuel alarm tied into the FMM wiring via a white/red and it would sound the alarm regaurdless of shift position.
even if the rigger failed to hook it up if the FMM harness got wet it can trigger a false alarm.

04 and up Yamaha got stupid and the water detect will ONLY alarm if the shifter is in the N position.
dumb as a box o rocks.

From looking at an early HPDI wiring diagram manual it appears that there is a single white/red lead (for the remote boat mounted fuel filter) AND a two pin connector for the engine mounted water detection switch.

So, are you saying that if either switch is closed due to the presence of water that the alarm will sound if the motor is in gear or out of gear?

I never understood the later Yams (having only the one water detection switch) silencing the warning horn if the motor is in gear. Makes no sense at all. Not only is the alarm silenced but the motor may go quiet in short order when the cup fills up with fuel and allows water to flow to the VST. Would be better to stop and correct the situation that is causing the alarm to sound.

Yam can do some strange things. Must be Japanese methodology.

[rodbolt17]

yep, that's kinda how it worked.
why they changed for the 04 and up, dunno.
dumb as a V8 F350 corrosion bomb I guess.

but all since about 08 V6, inline 4, have water in the fuel detect.
however since o4 it will only operate in neutral.
in gear it runs until the water stops it.

[mist1188]

While I have already had my bout with ethanol fuel and its expensive repair, that fuel was discarded and straight marine gas is used now. Usually when you empty a bowl of a separator, there will be a distinct line after the liquid settles between water and fuel. But what I removed had none of this. I did notice that the float was maxed out at the top. It's possible there might have been enough ethanol fuel left in the tank to make this happen, but when you see the separation of ethanol, it is very distinct.
And I have to agree, an alarm that only sounds when the shifter is in neutral? That makes no sense at all.
So, I need a new tach, some zip ties and a few new filters. Thanks very much guys, for all your help. I'm sure I'll be back soon. I just can't afford to run to the mechanic every time I have a problem anymore. Sign of the times I guess.