1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

[RaystownBass]

I have a 1989 70HP VRO Johnson Outbaord, When I start her at the dock, she runs good, After having her run for a min or two, I shut her down till i get all my fishing gear and people ready to go, When i am making my way out of the marina, my continous alarm horn goes off, In my manual, that is either overheating or fuel restriction, at or near full throttle, but it's not at full throttle cause I am going thur a no wake zone, When the waring alarm goes off I shut her down, I wait a few mins, disconnect and reconnect the temp switch, VRO and oil switch's. I fire it back up and never have another alarm go off all day, Just when I am starting out the day and going very slow thur the no wake zone. What do you think ? My water hole is pissing fine. Not sure what to do ? Do you think it is a over heating problem ? If so how could I run the rest of the day with the motor ? Could it be the impeller, just not doing enough ? Or maybe my thermostats ? Any help ?<br /><br />Drop me a email RaystownBass@aol.com

 

[angus63]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

RTB<br />Welcome aboard!!!<br />When was waterpump replaced last? When was the t-stat last changed? If you do not shut down after two minutes does the alarm sound after initial start up? Try this.... next time it happens, squeeze the fuel bulb and see if alarm stops. Also, remove the cover and touch the head and see if you can hold it there for a count of three. Also, jiggle the ignition key around a bit and see if alarm stops (can't explain why to do this, but a had an early 70's 115 that sounded the horn when the key was in a certain spot when "on"). If I was a betting man, I would put my money on a weak fuel pump (perforated diaphram) that is not providing enough fuel at low RPM. Check for clogged filter, air leaks before the pump, clogged vent, anti-siphon valve, etc... after the tests above and let us know what happens.<br />Good luck

 

[RaystownBass]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Hi Chief<br /><br /> Here's what I do, I put boat in water, run her about a min or 2, I shut off and load people with me and gear, When we are going from ramp, thur a no wake zone, about 100 yards away, the alarm goes off, what I usally do is, shut her off, disconnect my temp, vro's sensors, plug them back in, and she starts up fine and runs the rest of the day ( 8 hours or so on the lake ) The alarm did not go of for the rest of my day about 6 hours. For the fuel restriction, it said at or near full thottle, i am no where near that going thur the no wake zone, I am wondering if my stat my be sticking at first launch ?

 

[RaystownBass]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Could a water pump still **** and not be doing the proper job ?<br /><br /><br />Brian

 

[angus63]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Brian<br />Definitely!! Telltale says water is moving but doesn't tell you engine temp. Try the stuff I mentioned earlier and let us know the results. BTW Fuel restriction is just a vacuum switch that can activate at any rpm (more likely at higher rpm, but still can occur at lower).<br />Good luck

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Your 70hp does not have a vacuum switch that senses a fuel restriction.<br /><br />The VRO warning is a pulsing on and off horn sound.<br /><br />The electronics in the oil tank level sender can cause all kinds of warning horn signals, disconnect the wire from the oil tank at the engine and see if the horn quits.<br /><br />Most likely you have a temp problem and there were a number of service bulletins about that with the 70hp engines of those years. See a knowledgeable dealer for the fixes and be sure to use the factory water pump kit that includes a new thermostat spring (change t'stat also) and shows how to drill and relocate the "pisser" fitting to the top of the block.

 

[RaystownBass]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Seahorse<br /><br /> a friend of mine also told me to make sure the pisser hose has not fall'n to below the block, he told me to make sure that pisser hose goes up and over the block, cause the water will on level to the hose. Does that sound right ?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

the water outlet for the "pisser" should be on top of the block, not on the side cover of the exhaust area.<br /><br />It it's not on the top, get it relocated per the water pump kit instructions or the service bulletin.<br /><br />I think there was even a bulletin about changing out the temp sender.

 

[rcgt78]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Hi!<br /><br />Is the alarm's self test working?<br /><br />When turning key switch to ON position (before starting the engine) a short beep should be given by the alarm. <br /><br />Check all electrical connections! Also in the remote control!<br /><br />Robbi

 

[angus63]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Sorry Ray<br />Lost track it was a 70 and not like my v6.<br />Seahorse looks like he nailed the issue.<br />Good luck

 

[RaystownBass]

Re: 1989 Johnson VRO 70HP Alarm Question's

Update Coming, Tomm Guys<br /><br />Will keep ya posted<br /><br />Brian