Another "Two beeps per minute" question

[DiverGuy]

2002 Sundeck 220 Mercruiser 5.0 MPI. Boat runs fine but will usually start getting the 2 beeps per minute alarm. Sometimes it will stop for a while, but it eventually comes back. It may happen at idle on the flush kit, at idle in the boat dock, or at speed. Sometimes I just turn the key on without cranking the boat and the beeps will start. I notice no loss of power when it happens, and gauges all look normal, fluid levels are good. I've seen the chart with the list of possible causes of this, but I'm trying to narrow it down some. I've checked with every marine mechanic I can find within an hour drive of me and none have a scanner (I live in bass boat country). Most of my reading about this issue relates to a bad sensor. I was hoping maybe someone would know the most likely sensors to try. Seems like the one I see most often mentioned is water pressure sensor or block pressure sensor. I'm assuming those are the same thing. Any others that are more likely culprits? And if I have the beeping going on, if I unplug the sensor causing the issue, would the beeping stop, letting me know that I have the right one?

Any feedback is appreciated. Hopefully I will be able to reach a point where I'm able to help out someone. This forum has been a huge help.

 

[Stingrayaxe]

My understanding is the there are only three reasons to get the beeps. Low oil pressure, over heating, or low drive lube. If you have checked your oil level and the gauge shows pressure you are good there. If your temp gauge reads in the normal and you are seeing water coming out the drive then that's good too. However for both cases it might be a sensor but for now assume they are good. The most common issue seems to be the drive lube level. When you are getting the beeps unplug the wire going to the drive lube remote tank. If the beeping stops you've found the problem. Check the level and fill if needed. If its not the level then float is most likely stuck. Remove the tank and clean it out. It should solve your problem. If not then the sensor might be bad.

I'm not an expert so if I didn't explain exactly right I'm sure someone will correct me but it should point you in the right direction. Good luck.

 

[jzanthony]

Had a similar issue and the end of last season, not saying the same as what you are experiencing but it was low drive lube.
Topped it up and went out for a run and beep came back, found a leak. fixed now but haven't water tested it yet.

Cheers

 

[scoflaw]

My understanding is the there are only three reasons to get the beeps. Low oil pressure, over heating, or low drive lube. If you have checked your oil level and the gauge shows pressure you are good there. If your temp gauge reads in the normal and you are seeing water coming out the drive then that's good too. However for both cases it might be a sensor but for now assume they are good. The most common issue seems to be the drive lube level. When you are getting the beeps unplug the wire going to the drive lube remote tank. If the beeping stops you've found the problem. Check the level and fill if needed. If its not the level then float is most likely stuck. Remove the tank and clean it out. It should solve your problem. If not then the sensor might be bad.

I'm not an expert so if I didn't explain exactly right I'm sure someone will correct me but it should point you in the right direction. Good luck.

Not true, OP has the 555 ecm, and many things can cause the alarm. The MEFI's are what your referring to.

 

[R-and-R]

I also had this 2 seasons ago.
Only at low engine RPM.
In my case it was an impeller going bad, caused low pressure in the cooling system.
Luckily I didn’t have any overheat problems.

A mechanic with a reader can tell you specifically which issue is causing the alarm. Otherwise you may end up shotgunning several times before you solve your problem.

G/L,

 

[DiverGuy]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It's not drive lube. Mine has the reservoir under the hatch to monitor it. Drive lube is good. I also once tried unplugging that sensor to see if that stopped the beeping and it did not. Impeller is good, I replaced it last winter when I pulled the lower unit off to inspect things. The beeping was happening last year, so I don't think I messed anything up over the winter. It's just driving me nuts. I may have to bite the bullet and drag it a couple hours away to a mechanic with a scanner, then go back and get it when he's finished.

 

[dan313]

I had a beep also. It was the water pressure sensor on the power steering cooler. Easy fix. Its located on the rear of the motor on top of the cooler.

 

[Stingrayaxe]

Not true, OP has the 555 ecm, and many things can cause the alarm. The MEFI's are what your referring to.

Got it. That's why I sell garage door openers and don't fix boats. Well sometimes I do when its my own and not too complicated.

 

[DiverGuy]

Got it. That's why I sell garage door openers and don't fix boats. Well sometimes I do when its my own and not too complicated.

LOL!! I know the feeling. I’m basically an IT guy who has just enough knowledge and tools to tackle something with cars or boats, and usually end up throwing tools around the garage and making up new cuss words.

 

[DiverGuy]

I had a beep also. It was the water pressure sensor on the power steering cooler. Easy fix. Its located on the rear of the motor on top of the cooler.

Yeah, so far from my reading, that seems the most likely culprit.