a couple questions from a new searay owner....

[chillywater]

Just bought a 03' 240 select with the 8.1 merc. and I love the boat.

I took it out today (maybe 6-7 time since I got it) and the alarm went off when I cranked it up flashing the engine symbol and bell on my display. Oil pressure was fine as well as engine temp. Once I got it going and running about 35 the alarm quit. Once I slowed done to an idle it would do it again. Anyone else have this problem?

Second question is where can I get a stainless scuff plate for my boat?

 

[Carpedmman]

Let me make sure I understand what happened. Do you trailer the boat or is it slipped? Either way, you started the motor and after how long before the alarm went off? Typically, whenever the alarm goes off- the first thing you want to do is to shut her down. Drop anchor if you can and see what is happening to cause the alarm. How was your cooling temp? Did you check your oil level? Basic stuff, I know but these are things that set these alarms 'a ringing. How many hours are one the boat? What I'm wondering is if the engine impeller is starting to breakdown and if your raw water wasn't cooling enough until you cranked up the speed. Just some thoughts....

Anyone else? Good luck and don't let this get you discouraged!

 

[estebanj]

Low oil in the pump reserve. Maybe with the boat going up on plane and coming down, the level went too low and this causes the alarm. Just a thought.

Esteban

 

[chillywater]

130 hrs

Boat has 140 hrs on it....it had 130 when I got it. It just came from the shop because I had to get my prop reworked (hit a log). When it was there the checked they checked the drive but I am not sure they checked anything else. It ran fine yesterday and it has a freshwater cooling system. So I need to check all of the fluids I guess and se what happens from here.

I trailer the boat most of the time but do have a slip without a lift.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Nehalennia II]

Re: 130 hrs

Boat has 140 hrs on it....it had 130 when I got it. It just came from the shop because I had to get my prop reworked (hit a log). When it was there the checked they checked the drive but I am not sure they checked anything else. It ran fine yesterday and it has a freshwater cooling system. So I need to check all of the fluids I guess and se what happens from here.

I trailer the boat most of the time but do have a slip without a lift.

Thanks for any help!

I assume you have a Bravo III outdrive. I have learned they run at elevated temps and go through Lower unit oil. Since "they" appartently checked the drive, I assume for damage from the prop strike, they may not have checked you lower unit oil reserve Like Esteban mentioned.
Also, like Carpedmman said, don't ever run or even idle when bells are 'a ringing. That may be $100 bills on fire and not just one. $12 dollars of Lower unit oil may save you $1000.00s
Better safe than sorry. Hope you sort it out and find what's up
Keep us posted.

 

[Dave S]

When the alarm goes off right away on start up, many times it is low oil level in your outdrive reservoir. However usually when that happens the ECM will restrict your engine speed as well until you top off the reservoir.

 

[wish2fish]

If they pulled the drive unit then it is likely the drive oil. I think when they do this there seems to get some air in the system and that will take your oil level level low and sound the arlarm.

 

[chillywater]

Got the problem fixed....low on lower end fluid. Thanks for the help!

 

[Hampton]

Got the problem fixed....low on lower end fluid. Thanks for the help!

Nice. I love it when a plan comes together. Wish2fish probably nailed it. They fill the drive, and they fill the reservoir, but then the tube drains the res. to fill itself up. That's where the deficit comes from.