Buzzer chirping

[wolflb2]

Just had boat out for 2nd time this year. I've been doing some restoration. 1986 Johnson 120 with the VRO disconnected and oil mixed in fuel. I picked up an intermittent short chirp/buzzer. This is at low speed on a no wake lake running 800-1200 rpm. No ater temp gauge but water from engine feels very warm, like hot bath/shower. Never felt too hot for my hand.<br /><br />The VRO was disconnectdd 2 years ago and I have never had a sound before. I'm at a lose. In my moving wires could I have reconnected/grounded the low oil buzzer?

 

[ob]

Re: Buzzer chirping

Need more descriptive info on buzzer you are getting at low rpms.Is it consistent rapid short tones or consistent short tones every few seconds,or is it just erratic?Is the harness from the vro pump disconnected?If so and the oil reservoir leads are disconnected ,I'm guessing that the engines overtemp sensor is initiating the alarm.In which case the engine is either overheating or the temp sensor or alarm module is malfunctioning.Overheat however should be a constant alarm tone.If your engines cooling system hasn't been serviced recently I recommend inspecting or replacing waterpump and T/stat in any case.

 

[wolflb2]

Re: Buzzer chirping

A local mechanic removed VRO reservior as he said they are unreliable. I wonder about how good he is since he insists I should use higheset octane I can get but from reading the board it sounds like I should use 87. Anyhow the busser is inconsistent, and erratic. Each time it was a little different but generally it was maybe a second of buzz then a second pause then a 3 or 4 of 1/2 second chirps, then quiet for a minute. These started less than a minute after launch and only ran for 2 minutes. Lake is small, only about 5 minutes across at idle speed, I knew oil wasn't a problem and water temp felt okay. Next time I started engine about an hour later it chirped within 5 seconds lasted 1/2 second and followed by 2 short chirps, then silent. Altogether I probably ran the motor for 8 minutes. <br /><br />Replacing water pump is probably a good idea. In your area whats it cost to have a water pump replaced?

 

[ob]

Re: Buzzer chirping

Shops in my area charge around $45.00 per hour.Figure around 2 to 2 1/2 hrs. for waterpump and T/stat replacement + parts.I do my own maintenace so shop charges are not an issue with me.Baring in mind the age of your engine,I would also recommend having the temp sensor changed out.From your description of the alarm ,it sounds as though the temp sensor is either right at the alarm point or the module is acting up.Just insure that the vro wire harness is unplugged since you are mixing at 50:1 or it will signal the 'no oil' alarm tone which is denoted by rapid short tones.Good luck.