4.3L TKS alarm at idle (2006 Sea Ray 195 Sport)

[Lar79]

New to the forum - thanks in advance for any possible insight.

I have 2006 Sea Ray 195 with a Mercruiser 4.3L TKS (216 hours). From a cold start the boat fires up promptly and idles smooth - no alarms. I can take her up to speed and get the engine up to temperature with no issues.

However, when warmed up and I slow to a stop and sit at idle I receive a constant alarm from the engine. If I push in the neutral button on the throttle and give the engine some gas, the alarm stops and all is well. Back it off to neutral and the alarm comes on. This hack works and the boat will run fine - gets up on plane and runs well.

• Gear oil is full and in good condition
• Engine oil is full and in good condition
• Temperature gauge reads on the low end of the dial

Hoping someone may have experienced a similar problem or have some insight. Thank you, again.

 

[paulswagelock]

When was the last time the impeller was changed?

 

[Leardriver]

Three things set off the alarm:
Low sea water pressure (weak impeller)
Engine overheat
Low gear oil reservoir.

You can instantly rule out gear oil by unplugging either of the electrical connectors to the lube reservoir, and if the alarm stops, that was the problem.

Your issue sounds like low sea water pressure at lower rpm's, which is what Paul was alluding to.

 

[Lar79]

I was suspecting that the impeller may be the culprit. Unfortunately, I am the second owner and don’t have any records indicating the impeller has been changed.

Since it is a fairly easy procedure and an inexpensive part I will start there and get back to the thread. Thank you for the discussion.

 

[Lar79]

UPDATE: I finally was able to get around to replacing the impeller. It looks like the problem is solved – thanks so much for the help.