Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

[Brew2]

Warning horn on my '86 140 hp has "bit the dust" and needs replacing. Cost of an OEM replacement horn is about $50 US. <br /><br />Could you replace this horn with a 12V buzzer/horn from Radio Shack that cost about $6? I know next to nothing about electronics, but I'm thinking that there can't be too much different between buzzers that work off a 12V system...can there?<br /><br />Appreciate any thoughts.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

Correct, including auto horns from the local junk yard.

 

[clanton]

Re: Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

The horn has the logic for this model. If the VRO has been removed and you only have overheat alarm the radio shack horn will work fine.

 

[TLL]

Re: Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

Logic? I don't think so. Horn has a purple wire for key switch, tan wire for a ground, and a black wire to let the self test circuit "beep" when you turn on the key. If you don't care about loosing the self test function, any horn will work. The circuits to make the horn "beep" at different rates are in the VRO pump and oil tank.

 

[duke3]

Re: Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

If you replace to horn with a 12V buzzer/horn from Radio Shack or auto horn, you can install a switch there is connected from TAN wirer to ground.<br />Then you can use this switch to control your alarmsystem.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

IF you use a different horn or buzzer than the factory unit, you stand a chance of burning up the electronics inside the oil tank and the oil pump. The amperage draw of the different horns may cost you $$$ if you destroy the warning system's electronics, because they have to supply the ground circuit when a problem develops. There is also a possibility that the temp switches could not handle increased amperage either when they are activated.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Replace Warning Horn with Radio Shack Buzzer?

$50 sounds like cheap horn....