New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

[Miroash]

I just bought a used boat (1988 Seaswirl) with a 120hp Johnson (J120TLCCA) it runs great. When I run it on muffs it seems ok. I took it out yesterday to check things out and when I get going at WOT, the buzzer starts buzzing (buzz, buzz, buzz, ect.) as soon as I lower the rpms the buzzing stops. The motor does not seem to be running hot (which is what I thought the buzzer was installed for), although there is no temp gauge. as a matter of fact I have: RPM, Tach, Volt, Tilt, Fuel, and Speedometer but only the Volt Gauge works, could this be why the buzzer is going off (because all the other gauges are basically saying the motor is not running) I have not even started to troubleshoot as to why the gauges are not functioning. I did notice the tilt gauge works with the key off but not with it on, is the normal? Seems strange to me, but then again it seems odd to me they put all those gauges in and no temp gauge, which to me is more important than most of the ones they did install.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

(VRO Horn Warnings)
(J. Reeves)

NOTE: I retired around 1991/92. Possibly some of the later V4 engines and others may also incorporate a fuel vacuum switch that would enable a fuel restriction warning to sound as mentioned below, an unknown factor to myself.

1 - A steady constant beep = Overheating - The V/6 engines, possibly some others, have a fuel restriction warning which is also a steady constant beep.

2 - A beep every 20 or 40 seconds = oil level has dropped to 1/4 tank. (Late model engine = Every 40 seconds)

3 - A beep every other second = VRO failure, air leak in oil line, oil restriction, (anything that would result in a lack of oil being supplied to the engine).

NOTE - If the warning horn is the black plastic (overpriced) three wire type horn, the warning horn should beep once when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. If it does not, it is either faulty or someone has disconnected it (a stupid move!). At any rate, if it does not beep which indicates that the horn is non functional, find out why and do not run the engine until the problem is corrected.

 

[Miroash]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

(VRO Horn Warnings)
(J. Reeves)

NOTE: I retired around 1991/92. Possibly some of the later V4 engines and others may also incorporate a fuel vacuum switch that would enable a fuel restriction warning to sound as mentioned below, an unknown factor to myself.

1 - A steady constant beep = Overheating - The V/6 engines, possibly some others, have a fuel restriction warning which is also a steady constant beep.

2 - A beep every 20 or 40 seconds = oil level has dropped to 1/4 tank. (Late model engine = Every 40 seconds)

3 - A beep every other second = VRO failure, air leak in oil line, oil restriction, (anything that would result in a lack of oil being supplied to the engine).

NOTE - If the warning horn is the black plastic (overpriced) three wire type horn, the warning horn should beep once when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. If it does not, it is either faulty or someone has disconnected it (a stupid move!). At any rate, if it does not beep which indicates that the horn is non functional, find out why and do not run the engine until the problem is corrected.

THANK YOU very much!!! that is of great help, the vro has been disconnected by previous owner. I didnt even think about that. also the horn does not make a sound when i first turn the key on, so I will have to check into that. It only makes noise when WOT. Thanks Again!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

are you just using the fuel side of the vro pump? is the wiring harness still connected to pump. if so unplug it.

 

[Miroash]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

are you just using the fuel side of the vro pump? is the wiring harness still connected to pump. if so unplug it.

I am not sure how it is connected. all I know for sure is the "VRO" has been disconnected. Currently I am useing a portable tank for test running as I do not know the internal condition of the permanent tank or lines. So the fuel line currently as I was running it was not useing any part of the VRO system.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

The proper method to switch to premix BUT still use the VRO pump as a straight fuel pump is as follows.

(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)
(J. Reeves)

You can convert the VRO pump into a straight fuel pump, eliminating the oil tank and VRO pump warning system, but retain the overheat warning setup (and fuel restriction warning if so equipped) by doing the following:

1 - Cut and plug the oil line at the engine so that the oil side of the VRO pump will not draw air into its system. Trace the wires from the back of the VRO to its rubber plug (electrical plug) and disconnect it.

2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.

3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quantity fuel you have. Disconnect the fuel line at the engine. Pump the fuel primer bulb until fuel exits that hose with the tint of whatever oil you used. Reconnect the fuel hose.

That's it. If you want to test the heat warning system to ease your mind, have the key in the on position, then ground out the tan heat sensor wire that you'll find protruding from the cylinder head. The warning horn should sound off.

 

[Miroash]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

Thanks so much Joe. I did not realize the VRO was also the fuel pump, I thought there was a pump on the motor itself and I thought all the VRO did was pump oil. Thanks again.

 

[jonesg]

Re: New to me Boat....Why is the buzzer going off?

There is a pump on the engine, the VRO is it.
I'd get it running right before trying any WOT.