No low oil pressure alarm at start-up

[nknowland]

When starting our Westerbeke 52, the low pressure alarm should sound when the key is turned on and continue until the engine turns over. It did that for years. But over the last year, the alarm has become intermittent to non-existent.

Oil pressure is not an issue. I have checked for corrosion and used corrosion cleaner at all contacts. Up next is to replace the low oil pressure alarm sender.

Is this a critical issue? Am I missing something??

Thanks.

[Celestialsailor]

There are 2 oil pressure sending units. One is for the oil pressure gauge and the other for the alarm. Identify the alarm sending unit, pull the wire off it's terminal and short it to ground. The alarm should sound. If it does, you need a new sending unit. If it does not, connect 12VDC directly to the alarm and it should sound. If it does not, you have a disconnect somewhere between the sender and the alarm.
Hope this helps.