Strange noise with just the key on

[Paul Moore]

I have a 1990 hp Mercury 2 stroke on a pontoon. I left the key on and my wife heard a high pitched whine that seemed to be coming from the throttle shifting lever area where all the cables come in from the motor. I can't hear it because it is out of my range (old manufacturing guy). Does anyone have any ideas on what this might be? She says it does it sometimes when we're running too. Drives the wife nuts but--------doesn't bother me. thanks for your input.

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: Strange noise with just the key on

electric fuel pump?

is it a fuel injected 2 stroke?

if so it might be the fuel pump and that is normal noise....

you can use a real big screwdriver to pinpoint the noice with the key on eng off if it is making that noise, put the plastic end to your ear and the metal tip from item to item on the engine, it will amplify the sound,

a 3/4 rubber heater hose works too, put the hose to your ear and the other end real close to items on the engine, helps pinpoint noises

 

[electricjohn]

Re: Strange noise with just the key on

Been there, it is the alarm in the throttle. As it ages it gets harder to hear. My passengers would always ask me what that noise was when I turned the key on, and I would respond, "what noise?". The part (beeper) is replaceable. I heard you can buy it at Radio Shack for 1/10 the cost of Mercurys replacement part. From Merc, I think I paid $30.