1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

[ut_freak23]

I have a 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO model # J150STLESB. I have owned this boat and motor for about 3 years now with almost no problems. The only warning I have heard was the low oil in the tank tones. I have taken the boat out on four occasions this year. The first two were absolutly trouble free. Before the 3rd trip I topped off the oil tank and headed to the lake. After I unloaded the boat and pulled away from the ramp I started getting an intermittent tone. I would say about 5 seconds apart. I was in high wind and had to manuever to the dock to pick up my father in law maybe 100 feet. At the dock I killed the motor and restarted. We fished about 3 hours and the boat was run through all speed ranges and never had an alarm again. On the fourth trip I unloaded my boat and ran it for a good hour before I started get the same warning. It appeared to vary with speed. In fact on one occasion it started as I accelerated and disappeared in the upper rpm range. It didnt return for a long time probally an hour. I checked my secondary fuel filter and it was pretty trashy. I replaced it and the warnings actually stayed away for about 30 minutes but then continued again. I am at a standstill. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kaleb

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

When was the oil filter in the oil tank last changed?

 

[ut_freak23]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

I havent the slightest clue. Where is it located? Is this a common part? Thanks for Reply
Kaleb

 

[K-MAC]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

The common problem is the ground at the key switch or at the horn it self , I say this sence the horn is only going off for five seconds or so.If it was the oil level the horn should sound off for about 1/2 second for every 20 seconds , Check each cylinder as well to make sure each is running close to one another. If so the horn should sound continuously intill you power down.In my case it was just a bad ground and conector... Good Luck

 

[ut_freak23]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

Heres my only problem with the bad ground theory, wouldnt it either come on immediately when I started and stay on or once it came on not go off. It only happens maybe 5 minutes after the boat has been running idle in gear. If I launch and get to full throttle the warning wont go off until I slow down and idle around for a time period. I am only guessing with the pattern of the beeps because I really didnt pay as much attention to them as I should have. I will take the boat out again and get a better listen if I can repeat the horn problem. I have been reading in other forums about a possible fuel restriction linked with the intermitant beeps any light on that take would be appreciated also. Thanks For Your Input
Kaleb

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

The fuel restriction alarm is a constant beep, the same sound as overheat.

The intermittent beep every couple of seconds is no oil and the intermittent beep every 10 to 40 seconds is a low oil warning depending on the system.

I would take the horn seriously because of the danger of running without enough lubrication. The most likely problem is an air leak on the oil side lines.

The filter in the oil tank needs to be changed. If it hasn't been done in 18 years, it really needs to be changed

Since the oil side of the actual pump is not repairable, you have only two choices if you find that the pump is going bad; replace or go to premix.

 

[ut_freak23]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

I cant seem to locate a filter locally for my vro tank. I guess I will be ordering one off the net. Is there any trick to removing the filter I cant find anywhere in the owners manual on how to do it. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Kaleb

 

[ut_freak23]

Re: 1990 Johnson GT150 VRO Warning Horn Questions?

I finally got to run the boat today and everything seems to be working perfect. I watched the sight glass the whole time and oil was always present. I had no warning horns. Boat ran like a champ. Thanks for everybodies advice.

Kaleb