Intermittent Alarm & Fluctuating Temp Gauge

[24searay]

2000 240 Sundancer ---

I am experiencing intermittent and jumping around temperature gauge followed by a audible alarm. When I put the boat in neutral/idle for about 30 seconds the alarm stops but returns when I get up to W.O.T.

The gauge reads 170 degrees at the dock, the temperature stays around 170 in a no wake zone etc. but jumps around when flying along. I get 200 degrees for 30 seconds then back to below 80 then back to 170.

The alarm is very annoying and we have not been able to enjoy the water ---- help appreciated.

 

[mainstream]

When were your impellers changed last and are your strainers clean could also be a bad heat sensor you'll need to check with ir temp gun on your risers and manifold

 

[24searay]

Mainstream,

Appreciate the response --- impellers were replaced about 4 years ago. This season had the bellows replaced while it was out for botom paint.

Not sure where the strainers would be to check?? I am fairly mechanical and can do minor level repairs -- is there a manual or some detail that may help me isolate the heat sensor??

Any information appreciated ---

 

[jamesferg78]

Hey There, we had the same issues on our 290 - we went through all kinds of stuff including exhaust risers/manifolds, temp sensors etc. Just had it hauled out to change the impellers in the drives, and turns out there was coral growth in the water pick ups - the mechanic recommended checking the drives as the first step (I'm guessing prior mechanic was just trying to take our money!).

 

[mainstream]

Hello ok you have stern drives not v drives so you can forget strainors but I think you might need your impellers checked 4 years is a long time I do mine at 2 years no more then 3 years depending on usage mercury says 3 years 300 hours I've had mine go alot sooner the that but I would defiantly find out if you are really having an overheat problem first I've never seen my engine temp at 80 degrees while running

 

[Bob & Sue]

I would change the impellers no matter what you find I put 300 hrs on mine last year we put a lot of hours on the boat they were past time to change almost ready to fracture. I had the same type of problem you are having temp sometimes would be zero bounce up to 170 back down to 120 back to 170. I had a new coupler put on it last August after that the gauge didn't work at all Sea Ray mechanic came out to the boat checked gauge it was fine he pulled the engine harness connector apart there was some corrosion on the female plug scraped off the corrosion put some dielectric on it has worked ever since runs at a steady 170. I do carry a laser temp gun so I knew I wasn't overheating.

 

[24searay]

Copy on the impeller advice -- will definitely follow up on checking the harness/connector for corrosion.

Definitely looking to get out and enjoy being out on the water without hearing the alarm as soon as we get out of the wake zone.

 

[Lazy Daze]

How long has this been happening? Did it start after a certain service was performed?

 

[24searay]

Appreciate all the responses ---

The alarm and fluctuating Temp Gauge began after we had the boat serviced (bottom-paint, replaced bellows, replaced flaps, zincs....etc).

We had the service folks come back out to take care of what appears to be a minor "drip coming from the back of the motor area. They did remove the drive and told me there was a pin hole on one of the tubes (which they replaced). They infomed us the boat had been "run" and water checked and no leak was evident.

GREAT! However, as soon as we launched it from our marina ---- it was not long before we had the alarm and the fluctuating Temp Gauge.

I took the advice of a previous reponse to check for corrosion first ---- turns out when I opened engine compartment, there was more water in the hold. There was zero water leak from the original area (back of motor) --- however, there was a steady drip coming from the bottom front end hose. It felt like the clamp holding on the hose was just barely on.

Turns out --- after tightening the clamp and stopping the leak --- my gauge was at a steady 170 after having the motor at idle for 10-15 minutes and no water in the engine compartment. My son and I took the boat out for a quick turn --- and NO MORE fluctuating Temp Gauge or irritating alarm.

WOW!! We had a great time on the boat on the 4th!! We are looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow.

I am definitely having my coolant hoses and sensors checked at next service.

Again, appreciate the responses --- you never know --- hopefully, one of the posiings may help another fellow boater.

Best regards,

vr
24searay