Optimax Oil Reservoir Sensor Replacement

**CptAJ** · 11-16-2020, 10:01 PM

Is it possible to replace the oil sensor on a 225 Opti?

I heard from a friend that its a bitch to replace and I would have to get the whole tank replaced. I see the sensor on ebay for $20 and the tank for $150 so its a pretty big diff.

Anyone care to share their experience with this?

**JPEROG** · 11-16-2020, 10:18 PM

Replace the tank. The float seems to get saturated if/when different oil brands get used. I have been down this trail twice now.

Joe

**slim95** · 11-17-2020, 12:15 PM

I have replaced the $20 sensor and it fixed the beeping. I was on the fence about buying a new tank again and figured for $20 it was worth the test.

**XstreamVking** · 11-17-2020, 12:25 PM

90+% of the time it's the float.

**Chaz** · 11-18-2020, 07:50 AM

Trying to fix them to where they will last with any consistency is a lot like building a ship in a bottle. If you can do that , bless ya man !

Me , I sometimes find debris in the bottle .. and also , just replace it and don't look back ..

**XstreamVking** · 11-18-2020, 07:53 AM

There is a "fix" but it involves glueing oily plastic. Sooooo...no.

**CptAJ** · 11-21-2020, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Chaz

Trying to fix them to where they will last with any consistency is a lot like building a ship in a bottle. If you can do that , bless ya man !

Me , I sometimes find debris in the bottle .. and also , just replace it and don't look back ..

HAHAHAHA! Nothing a little blow with the air compressor can't clean

**CptAJ** · 11-21-2020, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by slim95

I have replaced the $20 sensor and it fixed the beeping. I was on the fence about buying a new tank again and figured for $20 it was worth the test.

I'm thinking the same thing. Sadly, I'm in Venezuela and it takes a bit to get the shipment here, specially around this time of year and worse with the whole pandemic crap.

How did you go about fixing it?

**slim95** · 11-23-2020, 03:35 PM

The sensor should just be a magnetic switch and it is held in with a screw. I replaced it on the engine and tested it before firing it up and have not had a problem since. If it fixes the problem then your out $20 instead of $100+

Click image for larger version.

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**XstreamVking** · 11-23-2020, 03:40 PM

It's usually the float. I saw guy on u-tube take the tank apart, fix the float with copper wire and glue it back together. Sketchy is the best description. You can just jump the 2 wires (blue/black) going to the tank and stop the beeping. BUT you have to make SURE the tank is being supplied with oil. I carry a jump wire on all my boats for this reason.

**flabum1017** · 11-25-2020, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by CptAJ

I'm thinking the same thing. Sadly, I'm in Venezuela and it takes a bit to get the shipment here, specially around this time of year and worse with the whole pandemic crap.

How did you go about fixing it?

Well, since it takes time to get the parts, best off fixing it with a whole new tank because if you get just the sensor, and that doesn't fix it, you'll be waiting longer for a whole tank that you could have already had.

If yu want to run it and you KNOW the tank is being replenished properly with oil, then unhook the wire to the sensor and use a paper clip to jump the terminals on the wire on the engine side of the connection. Keep a close eye on the tank to be sure it's staying full.

You can use the old sensor wire to make a jumper for in case it happens again. Just cut the wire from the sensor and tie the two wires together and you have a jumper you can just plug in.

**CptAJ** · 11-30-2020, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by XstreamVking

It's usually the float. I saw guy on u-tube take the tank apart, fix the float with copper wire and glue it back together. Sketchy is the best description. You can just jump the 2 wires (blue/black) going to the tank and stop the beeping. BUT you have to make SURE the tank is being supplied with oil. I carry a jump wire on all my boats for this reason.

This is exactly what I've been hearing after asking around. Always the float.

Found the video you mentioned for anyone interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8LWgGa7Kgg

It makes the problem very clear at least. I think the fix is worth a try but I got in touch with my long time outboard lower unit guru and he s ays he fixes these bad boys up no sweat so I'll go with that. Support your local gurus!