Engine drops to idle and alarm sounds for one or two seconds before returning to norm

[Dmghareeb]

This past weekend after running for approximately 20-25 minutes, while cruising an alarm sounded for one second, and the boat speed dropped to idle. My instruments all showed normal readings and my bilge seemed fine as well. I started to return to the dock and after approximately 10 minutes of running, it did it again, but the alarm stopped after a second and the boat returned to normal cruise speed. My slip is very muddy but like i said i had ran for 20-25 minutes before it happened. I know it could be 100 different things, but any ideas? 2002 240 sundancer

 

[David Paul]

Re: Engine drops to idle and alarm sounds for one or two seconds before returning to

Check the out drive fluid level in the reservoir in the engine room. If that get's too low, it can cause an alarm and a drop in RPM.

 

[Dmghareeb]

Re: Engine drops to idle and alarm sounds for one or two seconds before returning to

So i checked the reservoir and i was close to the low level. why is this? does the oil recycle through the reservoir or does it just take from it as needed? does this mean the outdrive is taking in water and can i tell without pulling the boat out of the water and draining some oil, or am i just being paranoid?

 

[ardeprint]

Re: Engine drops to idle and alarm sounds for one or two seconds before returning to

If you have water the drive oil it will turn milky with lots of small root beer like bubbles.

 

[David Paul]

Re: Engine drops to idle and alarm sounds for one or two seconds before returning to

After a fluid change it is not uncommon for a small amount of air to get trapped in the drive. Afterwards, as the air is eventually released with use, the oil level will drop. For some reason, Bravo 3 drives seem more susceptible to this. My advice is keep an eye on the oil level. If it drops again, have the drive pressure tested for a leak.

 

[Dmghareeb]

Re: Engine drops to idle and alarm sounds for one or two seconds before returning to

That was it, after adding some drive oil to the reservoir, I didn't have the alarm anymore. Thank you very much for your help!