Alarm sound at low RPMs

[alexworden]

Hi,

I hadn't used my 270 Sundancer for several weeks until yesterday. The batteries were dead when I got to the boat so I plugged in to charge them for 45 minutes.

Shortly after I started the engine, a loud constant beep alarm sounded from the dashboard. We checked the oil and coolant levels and they looked OK. We started the engine again, gave it some gas and the alarm stopped. We took the boat out for a decent 30-40 minute run with no problem. When I got back to the dock and the engine was just idling again, the alarm came back on.

I'd appreciate any advice as I'd like to fix the issue without resorting to an expensive mechanic. Where can I get information on troubleshooting alarms?

I suspect the gas is a little old, but the boat seemed to run just fine.

 

[Presentation]

Lets see, constant (steady) alarm in a 1999 big block V8.
This is pre-smart craft.

The only things it could be:

Low drive fluid in the reservoir.
High engine temp.
Low oil pressure.
High bilge water.

Check the fluid level in your outdrive reservoir.

 

[alexworden]

Thanks.

The temp was normal. Oil pressure looked good. Oil level good. No water in the bilge.

You might be right about the drive fluid - it did look like it was close to needing to be topping up last time I checked - I'll buy some and take a look next time I'm at the boat.

Alex

 

[Presentation]

- I'll buy some and take a look next time I'm at the boat.

Alex

….or just pull one of the wires to the drive fluid bottle and see if the alarm stops.

The connection is normally open, meaning the alarm does not sound unless the circuit closes.

If you unplug one wire the circuit must be open.

Please let us know the results.