1997 Evinrude v4 115 "insufficient fuel flow" alarm?

[ccraddock]

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a 1995 Sunbird Neptune 180 (18ft) with a 1997 Evinrude 115 2-stroke on the back. Before I bought the boat I test drove it and it done amazing, planed tremendously, idled great, started easy - the dream.

This is my very first boat (I'm 21) and I took it on the water for the first time this weekend. While revving the engine in forward gear and beginning to plane the alarm went off. It was for insufficient fuel flow (constant sound). Then, it stopped once I returned to idle. Then, on the second attempt to plane it come back on and stayed on a bit longer. The third and final attempt to plane the alarm stayed on. I went straight back to the dock and loaded the boat up and took it home. The first thing I done every single time the alarm sounded was check the water pump verification (the "peeing" water out the top). This was not interrupted at all. I shut the engine off while I retrieved the truck and trailer for about 3 minutes. When I fired it back up the alarm was off and the engine ran great.

I kept thinking what I could have done to cause this. I checked the oil reservoir - full, gas -3/4 tank but still can't figured out why it was starved of fuel momentarily. Then, I realized I did not open the fuel tank vent. Can that cause the alarm to be triggered? If the tank vent did not cause this does anyone have any ideas?

 

[racerone]

There are 2 different 115 HP models in 1997.----Model # of your motor ??---I do not believe the V-4 models had an insufficient fuel flow alarm on them.----- Constant alarm could be for overheat as well.----Yes OVERHEAT alarm.

 

[ccraddock]

There are 2 different 115 HP models in 1997.----Model # of your motor ??---I do not believe the V-4 models had an insufficient fuel flow alarm on them.----- Constant alarm could be for overheat as well.----Yes OVERHEAT alarm.

Its the BE115ELEUC. The water pump was active at all times. Since it was my first time out watched it extra carefully to make sure it never quit.

 

[racerone]

A golden rule is ------A--- " new to you motor "----Needs water pump service !!

 

[ccraddock]

A golden rule is ------A--- " new to you motor "----Needs water pump service !!

Thanks for the input. I reckon I'll replace the water pump impeller. Before I bought the boat/engine all of the fuel lines were replaced, spark plugs, and a few other parts. Wonder why the previous owner didn't include this in his maintenance?

 

[racerone]

Simple.-----Folks do not know how important it is.----They rely on the tell tale.----They do not realize that the tell tale water does NOT go through the block on most motors.-----The previous owner likely sold the outfit because there were issues with it.

 

[ccraddock]

When we test drove it we had it running at WOT for a good stretch and overall intensively tested everything. On the lake and the alarm did not go off during the test drive. That's why I was thinking this weekend was due to something I forgot to do.

 

[Crosbyman]

The previous owner likely sold the outfit because there were issues with it.
but..folks also upgrade their rigs
they get old
they die
they divorce
want to please the new wife !

 

[ccraddock]

The previous owner likely sold the outfit because there were issues with it.
but..folks also upgrade their rigs
they get old
they die
they divorce
want to please the new wife !

This was a case of a newly-engaged lol. She met him in the middle with the promise to trade the center console for a pontoon. He had also just bought a bass boat. He really didn't want to part with it, but he needed money for a ring.

 

[racerone]

I remember many times where folks came to the shop and said ------" I just bought it and there seems to be something wrong "------But I agree there can be many reasons for selling a boat !

 

[ccraddock]

I remember many times where folks came to the shop and said ------" I just bought it and there seems to be something wrong "------But I agree there can be many reasons for selling a boat !

The good run on the lake at my test drive leads me to believe I just made a "rookie mistake" which tripped the alarm, but I can't be sure. The console of the boat has sticker which states the error alarms and one states "insufficient fuel flow = Constant Alarm" and that's why I asked if the tank vent could cause that error.

 

[tphoyt]

The tank vent can cause a fuel deficiency.
Im not saying that it was the problem but yes it is a possibility.
When the vent is closed it can’t pull fuel after all the air in the tank is gone.

 

[Chris1956]

For a 1997 motor, I would recommend a service manual. The Marineengine web site usually sells them. You will need the model number.

A 1998 60* V4 motor does not have the insufficient fuel flow alarm. I therefore suspect you motor doesn't have one either.

You will have a no oil, low oil as well as overheat warnings, if all are working as designed. It is good to test them.

 

[ccraddock]

After some research I come to realize it probably doesn't have the alarm for insufficient fuel flow as well. Still, the sticker on the console under the Coast Guard limits states it has an insufficient fuel Flow alarm. I understand the 1997 engine most likely isn't original to the boat, so the alarms may not even be applicable. I'll upload a photo of the warning alarm sticker when I get home so everyone doesn't think I am crazy lol.

 

[racerone]

???----I would say the sticker was applied and is a " universal " sticker and covers many models.----That V-4 60 degree motor did not come with the " fuel restriction " alarm !----V-6 models did have that feature.

 

[ccraddock]

I had not even thought of that. The boat come optional with a 150HP v6. That could be why the engine/hull are mismatched in the year. Reason I believe it was the fuel flow alarm was when it come on the engine was running around 3400rpms. When it sounded I immediately backed off to idle speed.

 

[racerone]

Consult the FACTORY manual for your motor.

 

[ccraddock]

I do have the factory manual for the engine and I have read through it. Nowhere does it make mention of the alarm meanings. It does talk about the S.L.O.W. System with the LEDs in the dials, but my boat is not equipped with these dials.