Mercruiser warning sound; & need manual

[strokeoluck]

Boat details are below. For some reason I'm hearing what sounds like a warning sound/beep from the dashboard. For those of you that have similar engines (or boat) the sound I'm hearing is the same one you hear when you turn the key to the accessory position - except it's not a long, prolonged sound, it usually only lasts a half second to a full second. Initially I would cut the throttle way back when I first heard it because I thought my oil pressure was low (checked all my fluids before we left; all is fine), and the sound would go away. After a while I just left the throttle where it was at, and it would chirp at me once...then maybe 30 seconds later it would chirp at me again, and that was it for that ride. All the gauges seem to indicate they are in normal operating range. The only one that could be a little high was the oil pressure gauge. The needle on that one was about 3/4 to the right when I heard a warning chirp, but then other times it was only 1/2 way to the right (straight up and down) and was certainly in the normal operating range.

In case it matters, here are a few details on our last trip:

- Passengers: 6-8 adults (normal size); it was a neighborhood boat outing so I ran a few times to pick up/drop-off people

- Weight: besides the passengers we had a cooler weighing about 40#, and the storage/ice chest was filled with stuff - probably another 30# or so; beyond that just the normal purses, sweatshirts, plate of cookies, etc (in addition to life jackets, anchors and all the other necessary stuff).

- Running time: After we launched 6 of us drove at about 20-25 mph for 10 minutes to the rendevous point, stayed for a few hours; then took 8 people (total) back to a dock at about 20-23 mph for about 12-14 minutes (taking it easy every now and then for bridges, heavy traffic, etc.), docked for about 10 minutes and then took 7 people back to the rendevous point at about 20-23 mph for about 12-14 minutes; anchored for another two hours then took 6 people back to the final docking point at about 20 mph for 10 minutes. I think the boat warning sound chirped at me a couple times on just about every leg of the excursion.

- Lake: We were on Lake Minnetonka, which is relatively deep; the shallowest spot we were in was 5' of water, where we anchored for most of the day.

- GPS: The Lowrance GPS unit is right next to the dash, and I'm 99% sure it's NOT the culprit. Whenever the GPS unit chirps at me (which sounds very much like the dash warning sound) there's also a visual indicator telling me I need to take action. We were using the waypoint feature and got off the line now and then, but I would just hit the "Exit" button and the sound would go away. Just mentioning this in case anyone thinks it's the GPS sound.

I can't seem to find my Mercruiser manual! I looked for one online and I see the Bayliner site directs me to the Mercruiser site where they want to charge me for the manual (odd...Bayliner provides their manual for free; Mercruiser charges for it). Is there a place I can find the Mercruiser 4.3 manual at no cost?

Thoughts on my situation? Thanks!

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Mercruiser warning sound; & need manual

Giving this a little bump in hopes someone responds.

I took the boat out yesterday w/my two kids and their two friends (total passenger weight: ~300#) for a little tubing, playing by the beach, etc. Same problem popped up - the warning beep sounded. The only thing that looks slightly out of whack is the oil pressure gauge. When the needle is at 12 o'clock it reads 40 psi, the next notch to the right is 60 psi, and the last notch on the gauge is 80 psi. Anytime the needle flirts with 60 psi is when the warning alarm seems to sound. Again, it's a very short little beep sound - but enough to get everyone's attention. But when I check the engine oil the dipstick shows that the oil is at the high end of the acceptable range.

Any thoughts?

And any thoughts re: finding a MerCruiser engine manual for free?

Thanks.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: Mercruiser warning sound; & need manual

Check your drive lube level. there are only three alarms on your engine - Oil pressure, water temp and drive lube. The first two are loud and stay on.

 

[cj7ole]

Re: Mercruiser warning sound; & need manual

Check the ADULTS ONLY section at the top of the index of this forum for the links for downloadable service manuals, don't know about owner's manuals.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Mercruiser warning sound; & need manual

For some reason I'm hearing what sounds like a warning sound/beep from the dashboard. For those of you that have similar engines (or boat) the sound I'm hearing is the same one you hear when you turn the key to the accessory position

Howdy,

Mercruiser uses simple "to-ground" switches to activate the single alarm system for drive lube-LOW, engine temp-HIGH and oil pressure -LOW conditions on many of the earlier engines.

If you turn on the "ignition", and power this system but don't immediately start the engine you will get the alarm because with the engine NOT turning, there's no oil pressure!

So the alarm will sound until you turn the "key to OFF"

When you start the engine, you'll get the alarm until the oil pressure comes up to a minimum level to activate the switch. (probably 10psi or so) then the alarm will stop.


After the oil pressure is up to normal idle pressure there should be no alarm.


If you do have an alarm after the oil press is normal, then it could be the engine temperature (HIGH), or the drive lubricant (low) You will have to LOOK at the TEMP gage, or DRIVE LUBE bottle located on the engine(if installed).

If any of those sensors are defective, you can disconnect each of them one at a time to determine which on it is.

You'll need the correct Mercruiser service manual if you want to try that.


Regards,


Rick

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Mercruiser warning sound; & need manual

Thanks guys. I double-checked the drive lube reservoir and confirmed that the fluid was half-way between the "minimum" mark, and the "maximum" mark; it was in the "operating range" area. So I assumed I was fine. I went to the local marine store service counter and asked them about it. He agreed that the alarm is pretty sensitive and can easily go off when the fluid is at that level. So I bought some drive fluid and filler 'er up. Hopefully that will solve the problem.

I'll check out the Adults section (hey, sounds like fun! ) for the manual. If I can't find it I'll just bite the bullet and buy one.

Thanks again!