1984 18' starcraft SS making strange noise when starting

[Kpowell3]

Hey guys,
Engine is a early 80's 90 hp johnson v4
We were out on the lake yesterday cruising around when we noticed we were holding on to some weeds. I shut down the engine and lifted the motor to clear the weeds off the prop. Put the motor back down and then went to start her up. When i put the key in the ignition and turned it the ignition/controls started making a continuous and loud noise, like an alarm of some sort. when you turn the key off it stops. The engine runs perfectly fine and has been winterized and serviced every year since it's been in the family (over 15 years). I do not ever recall hearing this noise before and wondering what the heck it is. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1984 18' starcraft SS making strange noise when starting

Weeds, followed by alarm. Hmm. Sounds like some of those weeds are clogging the water intake and causing the motor to overheat. Or at least the overheat sensor thinks the motor is overheating.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1984 18' starcraft SS making strange noise when starting

My thoughts exactly, NYBo. Have you tried the motor on muffs since, Kp?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 1984 18' starcraft SS making strange noise when starting

Is the motor 'peeing' as usual?

 

[Kpowell3]

Re: 1984 18' starcraft SS making strange noise when starting

Thanks for the quick replies,
I have not tried it on muffs, it's still sitting over the water on the boat lift. It is "peeing" as usual. If the intake is clogged it would stop pumping water correct? and stop the "peeing?" How could I be able to tell if the engine is over heating/or heat sensor is being tripped? The alarm shut off after about 25 seconds when the boat was running yesterday and did not turn back on when restarting. It's running very strong (perhaps stronger than it was before the noise which scares me). Another side note this engine usually takes about 25 minutes of running around the lake before it runs right and is heated up (it always has been like this). Thinking maybe some of these facts could be correlated, i just don't want to run the boat if it's going to hurt the engine.