Abstract: A protection system for a two-cycle outboard motor engine having a separate lubricant storage tank. The protection system generally includes a sensing device associated with the lubricant storage tank for detecting a low lubricant level condition, a first circuit for producing a speed reduction signal in response to the detection of this condition, a second circuit for gradually reducing the speed of the engine in response to the speed reduction signal even though the engine throttle control may be set for a higher speed, and a switch for manually terminating this speed control. The first circuit includes a controlled conduction device for maintaining the presence of the speed reduction signal after the low lubricant level condition is no longer present until the switch is actuated.