Fuel Bell?

[MFall]

I have a 1993 Evinrude 40 HP. Last weekend I noticed a dinging sound and first thought it was an overheating warning, but stream was good and head was not hot. After playing with it I discovered when I squeezed the primer bulb it would stop immediately for a while then return. I checked the line and all seems good. Engine starts, idles and runs fine at all speeds. Is this some kind of fuel line, pump, or filter warning?
thanks for any input.

 

[Joe Reeves]

You're apparently speaking of the warning horn beeping out one of its signals as listed here:
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(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.
********************
Now............
1 - Which warning were you receiving?

2 - If VRO equipped and running with the VRO oil tank, which primer bulb were you pumping to have the horn stop beeping?

3 - A re you having a problem in running the engine properly?

 

[MFall]

Thanks for responding. It is the every other second beep. The VRO tank had been removed when I got it. It is the FUEL bulb I am squeezing. The engine is not hot, and runs perfectly fine at all speeds. The beeping stops for a few minutes, as soon as I squeeze the bulb just once. Thanks again!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Are you sure that the VRO is removed?.... Or is it that the VRO is simply being used as a fuel pump only and that you are premixing the fuel/oil (50/1 mixture)...... and the VRO (Big Black Plastic thing) is still attached to the engine?

If so, the only thing that would result in a beep every other second is that the electrical connector is still attached to the VRO, and if so, obviously no oil is being fed to it... in which case, disconnect that fitting from the VRO.

 

[MFall]

Yes, I should have said the oil tank was removed and capped off. I mix gas/oil. So just disconnect the electrical connection?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Yes, I should have said the oil tank was removed and capped off. I mix gas/oil. So just disconnect the electrical connection?

Yep... No need for it when you're not using it to mix oil.

 

[MFall]

So the bell is only for oil supply, not fuel restrictions? Why does it stop when I squeeze the fuel bulb?
THANKS!

 

[Joe Reeves]

So the bell is only for oil supply, not fuel restrictions? Why does it stop when I squeeze the fuel bulb? THANKS!

It's not a "bell"... Use the proper terminology less you start to have fellow boaters pointing at you and making funny faces.
It's a "Warning Horn Beep"

The reason the beep would stop when you applied pressure upon the "fuel" primer bulb is that something is wrong within the VRO pump, and hence the reason for converting it to a fuel only pump... resulting in the reason to disconnect the electrical supply to it.

To my knowledge, retiring in 1991.... your 1993 40hp model would have only three sensors attached to it... the VRO "No Oil" warning, the "Low Oil" warning, and the "Overheat" warning. Now, since the Oil Tank and VRO warnings have been eliminated, what you have left is the "Overheat" warning which will sound constant and steady as a never ending Beeeeeeeeeping before the engine is hot enough to do any damage (warning you to shut the engine down).

If I am in error, another member will no doubt jump in here with a correction.

 

[MFall]

Sounds like a bell to me, but.....

Thanks again for your time and all the good info!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Well then, check it out as the previous owner may have thrown that expensive electronic horn out and replaced it with a Bermuda Bell. Be sure to let us know.... and "You're Welcome."