Johnson 150 Alarm

glastronlangley · Jul 14, 2010

Picking up a manual on Friday, can anyone help me with an alarm I am getting on my second day out with the new boat.

Day 1, Getting a beep every few minutes which I was expecting, I was informed by the previous owner not to use the oil tank and just mix 50:1. annoying beep aside, is this okay to do?

Day 2, About 20 mins after launching in some shallow conditions I get a constant beep, beep, beep that increases with RPM, is this a heat alarm; are there different beep sequences for different alarms triggers?

Great forum, glad I found it!

Dave
Langley, BC Canada

MDMSS · Jul 14, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

I believe you have two alarms on that engine. One senses heat and the other senses oil level. While the engine is running, unplug the oil sensor. (It may already be unplugged because of mixing gas and oil) Does the beeping go away? If so, leave it unplugged, you are mixing gas and oil anyway.

If the beeping continues, unplug the heat sensor. (Assuming your engine is pumping plenty of water) Does the beeping go away? If so, it's likely to be a bad sensor or the motor is getting hot.

tashasdaddy · Jul 14, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

J/E Alarms

low oil alarm is a beep every 30 seconds. beep......................beep...................

no oil alarm is a beep every 1/2 second or so.beep,beep,beep

overheat alarm is a constant beep.beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

just because you have water coming out the tale tell, does not mean the motor is not overheating.

the tale tell, is only an indicator the impeller is pumping water. it does not mean the thermostat is opening and cooling the block and exhaust.

Johnson alarms

An intermittant "beep...beep...beep" sound has to do with oil injection. A steady continuous " beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep" has to do with overheating. Oil injection on all outboards produces an intermittant beep when there is either a problem with your motor not getting oil, oil tank level sensor is bad, or your oil level in the tank is low. When the oil tank is low, you have roughly 30 to 45 minutes running time before being empty. Regardless, when you hear the intermittant "beep...beep...beep" sound, always make sure you know the answer (low oil or no oil) before continuing to operate motor further. If you dont understand the oil warning, your motor is doomed from continued operation if the oil injection system has failed.

glastronlangley · Jul 14, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

Great straightforward answers, that's helps a lot... thanks.

It sounds like I am getting a no oil signal but would still prefer to premix my oil at 50:1 but obviously do not want the beep... beep... beep. If I disconnect my alarm the only other thing I loose is my heat alarm... am I correct to assume I could install a pyro or temp gauge to monitor the heat and do away with the oil pump and sensors? If so any recommendation on a brand or type of gauge? Do we know of one that will work with the current sensor? LOL I know, asking a lot.

I understand that a good stream of water does not mean it is not over heating. I did some good reading on that last night as well and its getting some back flushing, further inspecting, testing to the thermostat etc...before it goes out again.

I appreciate you all being so helpful to the new guy, If I can help out, I am a diesel tech/diesel performance specialist if you need any help with your boat haulers.

Cheers and thanks again.

emdsapmgr · Jul 15, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

If you have disabled the oil/fuel pump and are premixing, you need to disconnect wires that create the two types of intermittent oiling warnings: the pump itself and the remote oil tank level switch. I would not disconnect any wiring to the cylinder head temp switches.

glastronlangley · Jul 15, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

sound logical tome, that is what I will do... thanks

The flush, impeller inspection and thermostat testing went perfect so thanks to all your help it should be a relaxing care free day on the lake

jonesg · Jul 16, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

glastronlangley said:
sound logical tome, that is what I will do... thanks

The flush, impeller inspection and thermostat testing went perfect so thanks to all your help it should be a relaxing care free day on the lake

...a 3 hour tour...

glastronlangley · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

jonesg said:
...a 3 hour tour...

lmao... 4 to be exact!

glastronlangley · Jul 23, 2010

VRO2 oil/fuel system Johnson 150

VRO2 oil/fuel system Johnson 150

Think I got it all beat, will find out Saturday.

Any experts on the VRO2 oil/fuel system?

I am getting conflicting responses when asking if i can run pre-mixed 50:1 from the fuel tank, bypassing the oil pump?

I read the below paragraph and it matches the alarm I get. Tone gets more rapid as RPM increases and slows when RPM decreases.

In addition, V6 and V8 engines (and though the manuals don't say it, we believe some V4 motors as well) are equipped with a vacuum switch that will sound the warning horn should there be any restrictions in the fuel supply line. The switch monitors the amount of vacuum within the fuel supply hose from the fuel tank to the VRO2 pump. If a restriction should develop in the fuel supply, the vacuum will begin to rise, particularly at higher power settings. When the vacuum reaches a pre-determined value, the switch will close and the warning horn will sound a continuous tone. In some situations, when the throttle is reduced from a high power setting, the vacuum in the fuel supply may be reduced because less fuel is required to operate the powerhead, silencing the warning horn.

Also I read the below paragraph so am a little confused.

Most Evinrude/Johnson V configuration outboards are equipped with the Variable Oil Ratio (VRO2) oil injection system. The VRO2 system uses a combination fuel and oil pump assembly that is covered in the Lubrication and Cooling section. However, some Evinrude/Johnson V configuration outboards (mostly commercial, but some recreational models as well) may be rigged for pre-mix operation. The outboards are equipped with a simple diaphragm-displacement type fuel pump. The pump is normally mounted somewhere on the side or end of the powerhead (usually on or near an intake manifold). The diaphragm is actuated by the cycle of crankcase pressure alternately receiving pressure and vacuum.

Thanks again for all your help so far, perhaps this will be a useful thread for others as there is little printed information available, I have searched!

seahorse5 · Jul 23, 2010

Re: VRO2 oil/fuel system Johnson 150

Re: VRO2 oil/fuel system Johnson 150

glastronlangley said:
as there is little printed information available, I have searched!

The alarm information is on a decal that is shipped with the motor that is to be placed on the dash. Also the alarm information is published in every owners manual and it is in the service manuals.

For the dash decal part number and more about the "VRO" go to:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

ezeke · Jul 23, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

It would help to know the model of your 150, which would help to define the VRO/OMS system that you have in place.

Most VRO/OMS systems have two sets of wires: one runs to the tank and the other runs to the pump. Both sets need to be disconnected when premixing.

The 3 or 4 wire amphenol plug for the pump is often tucked behind other engine components, but if you trace the wires from the pump you will find it.

The fuel obstruction alarm is triggered by a vacuum switch located near the fuel pump. It should not be disconnected. It has a black ground wire and a tan signal wire.

glastronlangley · Jul 23, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

I can not thanks you guys enough...

ezeke said:
It would help to know the model of your 150, which would help to define the VRO/OMS system that you have in place. I have it written down at home and will post it later.

Most VRO/OMS systems have two sets of wires: one runs to the tank and the other runs to the pump. Both sets need to be disconnected when premixing. When you say tank you mean oil tank correct? I traced the two wires from the oil tank and disconnected that plug. So I understand, the second wire will be at VRO but I need to be sure to disconnect the correct ones at the VRO Pump and not the vacuum switch which is the 2-wire plug loacted right above your red circle on the diagram you posted?

The fuel obstruction alarm is triggered by a vacuum switch located near the fuel pump. It should not be disconnected. It has a black ground wire and a tan signal wire. To confirm this is the 2 wire plug/switch in the diagram just above the red circle and VRO image

.

ezeke · Jul 23, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

"Originally Posted by ezeke
It would help to know the model of your 150, which would help to define the VRO/OMS system that you have in place. I have it written down at home and will post it later.

Most VRO/OMS systems have two sets of wires: one runs to the tank and the other runs to the pump. Both sets need to be disconnected when premixing. When you say tank you mean oil tank correct? I traced the two wires from the oil tank and disconnected that plug. So I understand, the second wire will be at VRO but I need to be sure to disconnect the correct ones at the VRO Pump and not the vacuum switch which is the 2-wire plug loacted right above your red circle on the diagram you posted?

The fuel obstruction alarm is triggered by a vacuum switch located near the fuel pump. It should not be disconnected. It has a black ground wire and a tan signal wire. To confirm this is the 2 wire plug/switch in the diagram just above the red circle and VRO image

The VRO/OMS systems don't have wires running to the gas tank.

The wires that are circled need to be disconnected when running premix.

The vacuum switch wires are connected to the vacuum switch and are in addition to the circled wires. They should not be disconnected.

d.boat · Jul 23, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

Do you know why the guy is recommending you use pre-mix instead of the VRO/OMS pump?

It's a good system and easy to monitor functioning. In fact, from your original post, it seems you've already verified that both the "low oil" and "no oil" alarms work, so if the system should happen to fail, you'd be aware of it and could remedy it before damage.

I don't have any problem with pre-mixing, on the other hand, if you have all the expensive parts in place and they work, why not use the system it was designed for?

glastronlangley · Jul 23, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

d.boat said:
Do you know why the guy is recommending you use pre-mix instead of the VRO/OMS pump?

It's a good system and easy to monitor functioning. In fact, from your original post, it seems you've already verified that both the "low oil" and "no oil" alarms work, so if the system should happen to fail, you'd be aware of it and could remedy it before damage.

I don't have any problem with pre-mixing, on the other hand, if you have all the expensive parts in place and they work, why not use the system it was designed for?

good question and the answer is that the tank and components are in rough shape tank is starting to seep and making a mess of an clean boat. The plan is to get a new tank in the off season and go through the entire boat. My goal is to get a summer out of it safely, our summers are short

jonesg · Jul 24, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

glastronlangley said:
good question and the answer is that the tank and components are in rough shape tank is starting to seep and making a mess of an clean boat. The plan is to get a new tank in the off season and go through the entire boat. My goal is to get a summer out of it safely, our summers are short

Craigslist for VRO tanks, $25 all day long.
This guy has loads of em.
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/boa/1857955052.html

glastronlangley · Jul 26, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

Thanks for the help full link...

Update on the weekend, used 3 tanks of fuel and no warning tones

I did notice the engine was a tad harder to start when cold and idled a little differantly, when warm you can bump the key and it starts right up. I skimmed past something in all my research about the pump mixing a leaner mixture when cold, thinking this may be the cause.

I really appreciate all the advice, I do plan on rebuilding the system and plugging the two sensors back in. I really appreciate that you guys were able to get me out all weekend without having to worry about alarms or if my new, unfamiliar boats had a properly functioning oil pump, just a great weekend!

I was talking to our local Marine shop the specializes in Johnson outboards today who is dead against the oil pumps. He mentioned he was currently building a motor that just had a failed oil pump take the motor out and that he sees a lot of them. I am not sure of all the details but am still planning to re-install oil tank and components, based on the advice here.

Thanks a million... hopefully some others will get some assistance from this well laid out, informative thread!

d.boat · Jul 27, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

glastronlangley said:
...I was talking to our local Marine shop the specializes in Johnson outboards today who is dead against the oil pumps. He mentioned he was currently building a motor that just had a failed oil pump take the motor out and that he sees a lot of them. I am not sure of all the details but am still planning to re-install oil tank and components, based on the advice here....

I'd be skeptical about the mechanic. He could be entirely correct about his experience, but in order to decide whether that mechanic is credible at all, you really need to know what exactly failed on the engine.

I've talked to three of the most credible local mechanics - two deal with Evinrude and/or Johnson exclusively (dealers) and one is the "go to" independent shop, the guru so to speak. They all say I'd be crazy to dismantle a perfectly good system that is easy to maintain and (in their words) is as reliable as any.

trey915 · Oct 6, 2010

Re: Johnson 150 Alarm

I know this is a little late, but I wanted to add my $.02. I have had the same problems and am hoping it is a fuel restriction issue from not changing my fuel/water separator since I have changed the thermostats and water pump.

Anyway, I have had my boat for about 5 years and when I first got it I spoke with several Johnson techs who said the same thing about the VRO. It is a great system when it is working, but by the time the alarm goes off it is typically too late and engine damage (costly in most cases) has already occurred. I had mine disconnected professionally. If you are pre-mixing and have bypassed your VRO, you are supposed to install a second fuel pump. I am not sure why, but that is the proper procedure, according to OMC. Anyway, good luck and safe boating.

Johnson 150 Alarm

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