1994 200 Vindicator Electrical Issue

[luckyinkentucky]

I will make this short and sweet.

1995 Skeeter 200sl Fish n' ski
1994 Vindicator 200 (E200stlerk)
1994 Bombardier Remote Control / Throttle

Last weekend had issue with warning horn going off in a constant tone as if an 'overheat warning' or 'fuel restriction' warning, but I had just started the engine after sitting for 45 minutes, so there wasn't an overheating issue. Fixed that problem by turning off my aerator switch which had been in the 'Auto' position. Checked with Skeeter, and they couldn't figure out why the warning horn was sounding with the aerator being on. They stated a possible "electrical issue" per their words.

Today had 2 'chirps' from the warning system. One was 2 minutes after entering the water, and the other was 45 minutes later while slowing down. A chirp indicates 'low oil', but the oil level was 3/4 full. Checked the primer bulb for the oil res., but it was firm and the engine smelled good as if it were burning 2 cycle as it should. I never heard another thing from my warning horn for the rest of the day.

Could I have a bad VRO or sensor telling my horn that something is wrong when in fact it isn't?

Any suggestions?

Does anyone have the location of the warning system itself for my year/make/ model? I have the OMC technicians manual for the engine, but it doesn't have anything on the remote or the warning system. Thanks for the help.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1994 200 Vindicator Electrical Issue

my experience, 97.4% of electrical issues on boats can be resolved by cleaning and tightening connections.

The relationship between your livewell and engine is unhealthy, you really need to put a stop to that. It can only mean one thing: wires that aren't supposed to touch each other, are touching each other. Which means that any signal from the warning system is suspect. Which means that your warning system isn't a warning system anymore, just a random noise maker.

The only thing those two systems have in common is a common ground. You've got some corrosion in there, or some wires rubbing together chafing the insulation, or something.

You might have a bad sensor, but you won't be able to troubleshoot it until you can be confident that the livewell won't trigger it. Doesn't matter that you've turned it off, could still be a random path to ground for the warning horn. Got to find it and eliminate it. just my opinion.