Annoying alarm, or an indicator??

My 89 60hp Evinrude normally sounds an alarm for the first 3-5 minutes after starting. Never knew why, but it was only a minor annoyance. (Not sure if it's relavent, but the gauge for water pressure (?) doesn't work.) Last night the alarm went on, as usual, and then shut off, as usual, and all was fine in the world. While cruizing the lake at idle speed, and after about 15 minutes of doing so, the alarm sounded and continued for about 10-15 minutes until the motor stopped. I tried to restart but when it didn't after a few tries, I decided that there may be something that Evenrude designed into the motor to prevent idiots like I from blowing up the motor. I'm thinking it may be the water pump, but I'm also thinking it could be that the stars are out of alignment. Any help would be appreciated!! Many thanks in advance!!

Re: Annoying alarm, or an indicator??

An overheat alarm should not really be considered a minor annoyance, no offence. The cooling circuit is a critical component of your outboard. Hopefully you did not damage it.

I would start by checking the compression and spark, then visiting a thread by JB in the FAQ entitled "Outboard Wont Start".

Let us know how you do.