Buzzing sound from dash 1988 bayliner

I recently purchased a 1988 18' 7" bayliner capri cubie cabin with a 125 Force engine. This was a bank repo boat that I got for $200. It needs a little work and hasn't been in the water since 2003, but feels solid. I cleaned out the old fuel and put in new with oil. I hooked up a garden hose and it fired right up. After a few minutes a buzzer came on under the dash. I shut it off but the buzzer kepted coming on if I turned the key. Also there was light smoke coming out of the exhaust and it smells like something burning. Would this be normal for an engine that hasn't run in about 7 years and what is the buzzing?

Also, does an outboard motor have an alternator on it or will using the radio run the battery down when the motor is running.

Last question, when I lower the motor it does not go all the way down. it hits a bar and i'm not sure how to move it or do I take it completely off. Once the motor is raised it slowly goes back down. Is this an easy fix?

Re: Buzzing sound from dash 1988 bayliner

That buzzer is the overheat alarm.Hopefully no damage was done,but youll need to test compression for a damaged cylinder since it was hot.If it tests ok,you ll need to change the impeller at least.Probably better off to replace entire waterpump unit in lower unit of motor.This should have been done before running at all.Impeller,every two yrs minimum and always before running a "new to you"motor.Hope no damage was done,but outboards REALLY dont like to get hot enough to sound the buzzer.

Re: Buzzing sound from dash 1988 bayliner

I'm new at boating, but I thought hooking up a water hose allowed one to turn the motor on out of the water.

Re: Buzzing sound from dash 1988 bayliner

The hose supplies the water to the impeller, but the impeller needs to be functional to send the right amount of water through the cooling system.

Re: Buzzing sound from dash 1988 bayliner

get a manual or an experienced boating buddy before you get soured on the investment.

Re: Buzzing sound from dash 1988 bayliner

Welcome to iboats!

As noted, that is your overheat alarm. If you shut down quickly, you may have dodged a bullet. The motor just sitting for 7 years could be enough to ruin the impeller. Get yourself a Clymer manual for the motor and a water pump kit (it includes the impeller). There is an excellent step-by-step guide to Force impeller replacement in the Force outboard forum. Here is a link to it.

It sounds like you have the trailering bar installed. Remove it when you are on the water.

It also sounds like your power trim is leaking down. A common problem. This can be a simple, cheap fix, or an expensive one, depending on what is wrong. Mosey over to the Force & Chrysler Outboard forum for answers.

Your motor doesn't have an alternator per se, but it charges at a maximum of 7 amps. Charging doesn't cut in until the motor reached 1000 RPM.