Faulty switch or pressure problem?

[djousset]

My older 2gm20f was running beautifully at 2800 rpm. After about 25 minutes the oil pressure alarm sounded. (I have never experienced this.) I shut the engine down, checked the oil level and color etc, checked for any leaks, checked all visible wiring and saw nothing out of norm. I let the engine cool and started it up again, same result with the alarm alternating between a constant wail and intermittent chirp. I've since replaced the switch and it starts normally. In the absence of any other symptoms can I be reasonably sure it was a faulty switch before heading back out? I haven't yet run it under load for any length of time, I want to make sure I am not missing anything. Thanks.

[Capt Clark]

Diane,

Sounds like you’re not missing anything. I would run it a bit under load before any extended trips. These switches fail often and it’s always good to have a spare. They are also easy to troubleshoot. Great job!

[capt jgw]

More likely a wire or connection problem. Corroded or loose terminals can cause this, and replacing the switch may have fixed it as you had to remove and reattach the wires.

[GordMay]

You might be interested in this old thread:
“Basic Engine Gauge Theory and Testing”
➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums....html#post2597