Alarm?

[sonworshiper]

here we go again.... seems like everytime we go out lately there is some excitement..........
When the key is turned on my boat slightly, the (what I'm assuming is and alarm to let me know I've turned the key) high pitched whistle sounds but stops when the boat is started. Yesterday the high pitched (ear shattering) whistle kept sounding. Everything ran well and it stopped a few times but started back again when I restarted the motor. I finally muffled the noise maker with electrical tape so I could actually concentrate on driving back to the dock........
What is this alarm for? does it sound for other problems or is it an ignician switch problem?
Well thats todays question... thanks for the help!

 

[tobnpr]

I don't know the particulars for your engine, but *typically* the alarm you hear when turning the ignition key to "on" is the low oil pressure alarm. Once the engine starts, and builds oil pressure, the alarm should cease within a few seconds .

If there's someone else here with your year/model engine they can confirm. Was your oil pressure within normal limits (per the oil pressure gauge)? If so, could be a faulty sender or bad/loose connection.

 

[sonworshiper]

I checked the oil pressure gauge and everything seemed to be within the normal limits. The alarm stopped and started again several times before heading back to the dock. I wan't sure what the alarm was even for so I just checked all of the gauges and paid attention to how the motor was running. I had it into the dealer a couple of weeks ago and had the oil changed.
Has anyone else heard of this problem?

 

[Nehalennia]

What did you check?
Check your drive lube reservoir. I bet it's low. If so, fill it up to the fill line and I bet it stops.

 

[sonworshiper]

Thanks Nahalennia. I'll check that today.

 

[hmonarch]

You should always hear that alarm when first starting the engine. That lets you know this alarm system is working. It should stop after 4 or 5 seconds.

This is an alarm system for three items. It lets you know if the oil pressure is building to operational levels.

It indicates an abnormal water temperature in the cooling system.

It indicates a abnormal stern drive oil level.

If the alarm continues or if it recurrs these three areas should be checked immediately.

 

[sonworshiper]

Just an update, went home for lunch, checked the fluids. The outdrive fluid was about 3/4" below the full line and oil was full. I started her to see if the alarm would sound...no alarm other than when I turned the key to start her......