Johnson 1985 60hp - warning buzzer goes off, but away when fiddle key

[Lund_bC]

Hello fellow boaters, I am Pat from BC Canada ! Maybe you can help me ?

I have a new to me Johnson 1985 60hp ( give or take a year)

The warning buzzer located in the Control center is buzzing on me, I think this means the motor might be overheating, I didn't know that at the time, but the thing is it only buzzes until I fiddle around with the ignition key in the control center, so I am really wondering if the motor is overheating or why else that would be happening, a couple of time the buzzer was going before I even started the motor (but it was warmed up and then shut off that time)

- Also when in forward and running the motor I can hear some clicking noises coming from the control center, I can't imagine what would be going on in there, maybe it is supposed to do that ? the shift cable threads near the motor are warn out, so the cable is kind of being pulled tight with a string until I replace it, I don't know if it would have anything to do with that.

I hope this thing isn't overheating, I was told it was in a1 shape when I bought it a few days ago, lots to learn.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Lund_bC]

Re: Johnson 1985 60hp - warning buzzer goes off, but away when fiddle key

I am hoping that this is just a bad wire somewhere, maybe there is supposed to be a buzz when you turn the key on, like a something that shows you your buzzer is working, and maybe that is loose or something and that is why the buzzer is going off when i fiddle around with the key and turn it slighly counter clockwise, and its not overheating (that would be SWEET !)

I can't see that if the buzzer was reporting a overheating motor it would stop buzzing when i slightly turn the key to the left, but who knows, I hope you guys do !

 

[Lund_bC]

sorry, last post confusing. Overheat buzzer sounds, stops when i play around with key

sorry, last post confusing. Overheat buzzer sounds, stops when i play around with key

Ok, so my last post doesn't make sense really and I don't know how to erase it.

My issue - 1985 Johnson 60hp outboard. The alarm in the control center is buzzing solidly as to warn of overheating motor, the buzz goes away when i giggle the ignition key and kind of turn it slightly.

Wonder if it is the motor overheating and the buzzer working but jiggling the key knocks the wire off, or maybe there is a buzz supposed to happen when 1st turning the key and now its getting suck on for some reason ?

Any idea why this could be ?

Also does the buzzer in this year of motor warn of overheating only with a solid buzz or also a fuel restriction ?


Thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 1985 60hp - warning buzzer goes off, but away when fiddle key

Probably need to determine if the engine is really overheating or not-even though the horn sounds at odd intervals. I'd rent/borrow a laser temp gun and read the actual cyl head temp when the engine warms up. The temps should normally be between 143 and 155.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: sorry, last post confusing. Overheat buzzer sounds, stops when i play around with

Re: sorry, last post confusing. Overheat buzzer sounds, stops when i play around with

It may go off because you may cut off the 12V current when turning a little, but not far enough to turn off the engine.
Test engine temp with an IR temp gun on cylinder head. If temp around 140-150F, OK, and your temp switch might be faulty. If temp above stated value, change impeller and thermostat.

 

[Lund_bC]

Re: sorry, last post confusing. Overheat buzzer sounds, stops when i play around with

Re: sorry, last post confusing. Overheat buzzer sounds, stops when i play around with

It may go off because you may cut off tthie 12V current when turning a little, but not far enough to turn off the engine.
Test engine temp with an IR temp gun on cylinder head. If temp around 140-150F, OK, and your temp switch might be faulty. If temp above stated value, change impeller and thermostat.

um, i never thought of that, i guess i could also look next time it happens if the the gauge on my dash that shows the charge on the battery is on or off.

one thing is there is no little chirp or buzz when i turn the key when starting, i was was hoping that for some reason stuck on.

thanks for the tips

 

[Lund_bC]

Re: Johnson 1985 60hp - warning buzzer goes off, but away when fiddle key

Probably need to determine if the engine is really overheating or not-even though the horn sounds at odd intervals. I'd rent/borrow a laser temp gun and read the actual cyl head temp when the engine warms up. The temps should normally be between 143 and 155.

Yes I will check the temp, now i am wondering as I just bought the thing if the guy was dumping a problem boat one me, also the water had a slime on the top of it, not sure if that would cause the problem.

It ran find today without the buzz... um

 

[Lund_bC]

Re: Johnson 1985 60hp - warning buzzer goes off, but away when fiddle key

So, I figure it is running hot and the buzzer works.

It seems to get warm when I 1st start it and idle for a bit and then start to take off.

It also gets warm after i open it up for a while at cruise speed and then drop down to a crawl, it doesn't go off a cruise speed.


Someone was telling me it might be just an obstruction somewhere, I was wondering if it might be the impeller or the water pump, maybe I should do both at the same time ?

Is it more likely just the impeller you think ?

Thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 1985 60hp - warning buzzer goes off, but away when fiddle key

If the engine is just new to you, I'd replace the impeller regardless. You may not know the past repair history. No need to go out in the boat and risk getting stranded due to an overheat. A new impeller (and a new thermostat) make preventative maintenance sense for any new owner.