87 Mercury 70 HP beeps

[brian62]

I have this 87 70 HP mercury engine that has a continuous beep. It goes away once I throttle up. Ran all day so I wanted to see if it used any oil. The tank was still full at the end of the day. Would the engine use very little oil? I took the tank out and wondered if it is the tanks switch or the pump. I hate to order a pump since it is exspensive since it may not be that. I'm leaning to the switch. The boat ran well except for the constant beeping. Would you agree or have a better idea. New to boats and the problems that go with it.

 

[Sprig]

My guess would be that the beep is a warning of engine overheating. It may be going off due to a malfunction and isn’t actually overheating.

 

[brian62]

Thanks for the response. Do you think it is the oil tank and switch I need to replace? The entire day used very little oil if any that I can see. Is that normal?

 

[racerone]

Motor has to use oil.----Mix at 50:1 in your fuel tank.----Replace water pump impeller.

 

[brian62]

Thanks for the informtion but I'm curious to why the impeller pump would be replaced if the engine is not getting enough oil. The engine is peeing out the back. I would think the oil pump or switch would have been the issue. Just trying to understand how the pump has to do with the oil. Thanks for understanding.

In the meantime how do I stop the beeping? Would it be the white wires from the oil tank?

 

[Sprig]

If the beeping is from the engine running hot, then you’d want to replace the impeller which would probably be the cause of running hot. Replace the impeller and the see if it still beeps? When was the impeller last replaced?

 

[brian62]

If the beeping is from the engine running hot, then you’d want to replace the impeller which would probably be the cause of running hot. Replace the impeller and the see if it still beeps? When was the impeller last replaced?

I only owned the boat for three years so I'm not sure if it was ever replaced. Where is the impeller located? I don't know much about boat engines.

 

[airshot]

Time to buy a " factory service manual" not an aftermarket !! If you are mechanically inclined then you should be able to follow along. Way to much typing on here to give step by step instructions !! My Merc has a float switch at the bottom of the oil tank that are problematic, is your beep for low oil or overheating ??

 

[brian62]

I am mechanically incline just don't know boats but I'm learning.
I found where the impleller is located. That's going to be a job. That's the thing, I don't what the beep is for. It beeps continuously except when I run the run the boat at a higher speed then a few minutes later it comes back.

 

[racerone]

Impellers are easy to replace.----And outboard motors are often ruined by folks who are simply stubborn.----And not aware or reluctant to replace impellers.----That motor needs a new impeller about every 5 years !

 

[brian62]

Impellers are easy to replace.----And outboard motors are often ruined by folks who are simply stubborn.----And not aware or reluctant to replace impellers.----That motor needs a new impeller about every 5 years !

Thanks, I will replace it. I found a manual for the boat.

 

[tphoyt]

You must find out what the beep is and what’s it’s for before running it anymore. What ever you do don’t find the wire that are causing the beep and unplug them.

 

[Sprig]

No matter what you should replace the impeller more often than 3 years. Even if the boat isn’t run and just sits you need to replace the impeller. I replace mine every other year.

 

[brian62]

While I am to replace the impeller I like to know what is causing the beeps that are continuously. The sooner I get it fixed the sooner I can get back to fishing.

 

[Sprig]

If you can’t quickly determine the problem then you should take it to a mechanic. Engine warning alarms are usually serious and if not heeded can be catastrophic.

 

[racerone]

Agreed------Find a good shop that will help with that older motor.----But many shops will not work on them----Sorry ----I can not help folks who ignore / argue on good practical advice.

 

[airshot]

Your manual will describe the different beeps. Mine is a 1992, not sure what differences are. Short beeps on mine are for low oil and a long continues beep means overheat, time for a new impellor. My low oil beeper is disconnected as they have issues with the float. I watch carefully my oil level so that beeoer doesn't bother me having it disconnected. When yoy replace that impellor be sure to flush out any debris from the water jackets, especially if you find pieces of a broken impellor. The vanes can break off abd become lodged in the system causing water flow issues. Take your time and do things right....being stranded on the water sucks !!!

 

[brian62]

Unfortunately, I can't find the beep codes in the manual I bought. Anyone know where I can find them?

 

[jlh3rd]

here...maybe this..

 

[brian62]

Thanks a lot!1 Just what I needed!!