"Check Engine Alarm"

[Mike Holmes]

I recently heard a Check Engine Alarm tone that also had a small "al" in the top right corner of the gauge screen.We noticed the Port engine had a reading on water psi but the Starboard engine had 0 reading. The trim tabs don't seem to work and the boat is tilted to the port side. Any ideas anyone?? Thank you in advance for any comments....cheerz!!

 

[CJ Martin]

Sounds like a couple of different problems to be honest. The Smartcraft alarm is probably related to the water PSI - not sure where the sensor is on the 4.3 but I'm sure someone will chime in. On the 5.7 it is located on the oil cooler and very easy to get to / replace. Once you find it, make sure it is still connected.

The trim tabs are a seperate system from the enigine. Again, check wiring connections first. Bennett trim tabs has a rep that is on this forums (tabman?) - you could try shooting him a PM. Try searching on trim tabs and I'm sure you'll find him.

Good luck, and welcome to CSR.

-CJ

 

[Lazy Daze]

I assume you mean the "boat is tilted to the port side" when you are running? That means the starboard tab is down. First thing to check is the fuse for the tabs. Did you push "up" on one tab and "down" on the other at the same time?

 

[Mike Holmes]

thanks for the input reply ...I'll try tonight. Bless your hearts for helping me out...cheerz!! MH

 

[quality time]

Noboby's going to ask if he's the Mike Holmes from "Holmes on Homes"?

 

[Mike Holmes]

LOL...haha....I'm not the TV guy but I met him and he is "what you see is what you get."
Nice fellow for sure ....like you guys!! cheerz for the help guys. The non TV guy Mike Holmes.

 

[Mike Holmes]

Thx CJ...I re-connected the trim tab harness and BINGO...thx for that buddy....duh...I'm learnin....cheerz....MH

 

[Mike Holmes]

Water psi alarm??

OK ...my trim tabs are working ...thank you CJ......now I have 2 more Questions for ya'll.
1) Does anyone know what controls the idle on the 4.3 chevy engine that I have. My mechanic/friend would like to know cuz it doesn't stay on idle...only with rev's up??? He checked everything else possible and needs some direction please??
2) Why does the water PSI gauge say 0 when it seems to be working, water pump works and cool's the motor, etc....even the gauges all read good readings??? Does anyone know how to fix this??? The "check engine" alarm tone still comes on when running in neutral or in gear??? The Water psi gauge reads "al" in the top corner of the gauge screen????
Help please and I'll send my cousin TV guy "Mike Holmes" to your house.....lol........cheers!!

 

[boatmailster]

bad water pressure sensor or bad connection on sensor - this is why is reading "0"

 

[CJ Martin]

Agree with boatmailster - either the sensor is bad or the connection from the sensor to the ECM is bad.

Your idle problem sounds like a bad IAC (Idle Air Control), although my experience with IAC's is on 5.7L motors. Not sure if the 4.3L is the same, sorry.

-CJ

 

[Mike Holmes]

Does anyone know where the IAC ( Idle air control) is on the 4.3???? Also does anyone know where the Water Pressure sensor is on the 4.3????? We can't find both??? My Mechanic needs to know please....Thx MH

 

[Bucit]

The engine alarm will go off for only a few problems. Oil pressure, water pressure, engine temperature or low stern drive lube. My alarm went off on Saturday but only when I switched the rocker switch to on (not trying to start it). The Smart Gauge will not show you the problem (at least I could'nt find). I did start the mortor and everything looked good (oil PSI, water PSI and temp) so I went to the Sea Ray manual for guidence and proceeded to the ER. I notcied that the resivoirs for the stern drives were very low. I went to West Marine, got some High Perf. gear lube and filled up both containers. The alarm went off and we had a great day of boating.

 

[Mike Holmes]

Thx Bucid....I filled them up and still get a alarm tone. I'll keep trying stuff but thx for the input...cheerz...nice boat BTW!!