System Check Horn & Tach - 2005 Johnson 115 2-stroke

[gbwaterm]

I have a couple of questions about this:

The tach on this boat does not work - pointer never budges. However:

1. The System Check lights in the tach flash in sequence as they should and the beep sounds, but very softly, so I assume it's working correctly - at least I hope so.
2. The charging system shows 14.4v to the batt. terms at just over idle speed so it's charging (12.78v turned off) so can I assume the rectifier/regulator is working right?

Should I assume the tach is bad? Faria site says they will repair for $60, and that's fine but I want to be sure the tach is bad before I send it to them.

Second question, the alarm (beep) on the system check works but very faintly - no chance it would be heard if the boat was running at anything beyond idle. Is this correct or should it be louder? Is this horn the red device under the dash about 1.25" in dia.?

The boat is a 16' Stratos 170FS, 2005, with the 2005 115HP Johnson J115plsor. We got it very slightly used and are happy with it so far.

Thanks to anyone who can answer,

gbw

 

[Chris1956]

Re: System Check Horn & Tach - 2005 Johnson 115 2-stroke

gbw, You should be able to hear the beep over the noise of the motor, while planing. If not, it does no good. Sounds like VR is working. Ohm out the grey wire from the tach to the VR. It should not have any resistance and it should not be grounded when disconnected from tach and VR. The system check alarm wires ground to signal an alarm. They are all tan with a tracer color. Ground the two temp sensors and make sure alarm goes off. Remove connector to OMS pump and ground sensor wire to generate a no oil alarm

 

[gbwaterm]

Re: System Check Horn & Tach - 2005 Johnson 115 2-stroke

gbw, You should be able to hear the beep over the noise of the motor, while planing. If not, it does no good. Sounds like VR is working. Ohm out the grey wire from the tach to the VR. It should not have any resistance and it should not be grounded when disconnected from tach and VR. The system check alarm wires ground to signal an alarm. They are all tan with a tracer color. Ground the two temp sensors and make sure alarm goes off. Remove connector to OMS pump and ground sensor wire to generate a no oil alarm

I'm grateful for the help, I'll be trying these today. The Tach wire continuity test I understand fine.

Does the engine have to be running for the SystemCheck tests or is the ignition on adequate?

There are 2 horns under the dash, one black plastic, one red plastic - both look like Floyd Bell devices. Any guess which would be the SystemCheck horn and why it would be so faint sounding?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: System Check Horn & Tach - 2005 Johnson 115 2-stroke

I think my System Check horn is a rectangular black plastic, but I am not sure as it is in the wiring harness, and not real easy to see. Some of the system check alarms require the motor to be running, however, I do not remember which they are. I would simply ground the sensor wires (motor not running) and see what happens. An OMC service manual would be a good investment as it will answer those questions. The marineengine web site sells them. Have your model number handy.