Alarm Sounds When Starting

[hsvengr]

2006 Mariah with 4.3L 6-cylinder Mercruiser I/O -- no fuel injection
What kind of alarm is supposed to sound while starting this boat? I did not used to hear any, but this past weekend after many stops and starts while pulling kids on a tube I heard a loud, continuous alarm when I turned the ingintion key to Start. Turned it to Off, of course -- checked switches and gauges -- turned on the bilge blower, and tried again. No alarm. This happened several times, but not every time. Oil pressure and engine temperature look normal.
If working properly, is my system supposed to beep quietly for maybe 5 seconds if oil pressure is not high enough, then go off when it is? My alarm was not beeping but was a loud, continuous wail. I've searched alarms in this forum but haven't found a description of what is normal (and abnormal) with alarms during start.
Would appreciate the help,
Thanks,
Michael

 

[Don S]

Re: Alarm Sounds When Starting

The low oil pressure alarm will be causing the alarm until your oil pressure builds up to 5 to 7 psi, then your alarm should stop.

 

[muc]

Re: Alarm Sounds When Starting

MerCruiser did and maybe still does offer a timer that will keep the horn from sounding for 10 to 20 seconds at key on. Maybe you have one and it’s starting to go bad?
The timer is about the size and shape of a starter for the old florescent lights. Maybe take a look under your dash and see if you have one?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alarm Sounds When Starting

MerCruiser did and maybe still does offer a timer that will keep the horn from sounding for 10 to 20 seconds at key on.

Those were the 89 to 94 models. They didn't last long because they failed so often, but they were expensive to replace

Here is the instruction sheet the info came from. Kind of handy really.

View attachment Warning horn.pdf

 

[hsvengr]

Re: Alarm Sounds When Starting

Thanks, Don S. I appreciate you including the reference material.

Michael