alarm - rough engine

[da-murph]

I recently bought a 1989 Seaswirl with an evinrude 120 engine. The first day we took it out it ran fine. The second day it ran fine for about 45 minutes (any where from idling to about 5000 rpm)and while running at around 4500 rpm,all of a sudden the engine alarm sounded steady and the engine hesitated or sounded rough. I imediatly went to neutral and the engine died. I waited a couple of minutes and then started it and the alarm sounded but eventually went off so I cruised in at a low rpm. I also noticed that every time we turn on the key that the alarm chirps, I don't remember it doing this on the original demo run before I bought the boat. I checked all the spark plugs and they all look good. I do have water ejecting from the motor head when running. Any help would really be appreciated so that when I take it to the shop I don't get burned. Thanks in advance and what a great forum. da-murph

 

[Joe Fisherman]

Re: alarm - rough engine

Sounds like you are overheating if a constant alarm sounds.Take a look at your thermostat and make sure it is not stuck open.

 

[OBJ]

Re: alarm - rough engine

Hi murph....<br /><br />As Joe said in his post, it could mean over heat. In addition to the t-stats Joe mentioned, if you do not have any idea when the last time water pump impeller was replaced, I would have it replaced also. Even though your getting water from the "pee" hole, it would be nice to know that the system is in top shape.<br /><br />Also, your engine has two t-stats. One for each head. So one head may over heat and you get the alarm and the other may be fine. If this is the case, have both t-stats replaced.<br /><br />Keep us posted. Thanks.

 

[da-murph]

Re: alarm - rough engine

thanks joe fish and obj for the info. I appreciate your inputs. Do either of you know why when I turn the key (before starting) that the alarm chirps? Is that a fault condition that has to be reset some way? I also noticed that once at the dock and tied up (not right after the incident) I could start the engine, and while out of gear, as i reved it up it started sounding rough and lots of smoke! thanks so much you guys