Warning buzzer

[Polaris]

Bought a 1999 270SD, had an OK survey, lowered my price for all repairs needed and paid the yard to do repairs. Now, during 4 sea trials, with yard manager, I have had a warning buzzer go off. I am told the buzzer could mean one of four things: low oil pressure, low transmission fluid, shallow water or overheating. None of these appeared to be the problem.

The yard had a Merc mechanic put computer on engine, he says he ran it at WOT and - of course - no buzzer or indications of problem on computer. Now not sure whether to actually take delivery from the yard or WHAT???

Any observations - recommendations?

 

[go2pamlico]

My operational rule is: I believe my instrumentation, including alarms. I would be uncomfortable taking out a boat with unidentified alarm sources.

It seems that the alarm started after the yard work; but, not necessarily as a result of the work. It would seem that the yard should fix whatever is causing the alarm. But, I would want a detailed troubleshooting record and a report specific actions taken stop the alarm generating condition(s). The four suggested possible sources are distinctly different. That is curious.

In the end, you may have new problems that would generate additional repair costs.

 

[GrandMaster]

Single engine or twin engine?

Also, I believe the shallow water alarm is a differnt alarm than the busser for the drive fluid/oil pressure/water termperature. Is the sound you hear when the alarm sounds the same alarm sound you hear when you 1st turn the ignition key on?

Does the warning buzzer stay on continuously or only intermittantly?

 

[BritLady]

Personally we would not take delivery and run with an alarm sounding. Need to get to the bottom of it which may cost more but better safe than sorry.............

 

[CV-23]

Low outdrive fluid in reservoir?

 

[Polaris]

Thanks for all your responses. After a couple more sea trials with no buzzer I did bring the boat home - a one hour run with no problems. So the warning buzzer remains a mystery. In answer to your thoughtful comments: When the buzzer came on it kept going (buzz, pause, buzz, pause---) until engine was turned off; we checked tranny fluid, water temp was OK, turned off depth and oil pressure gauge was right on.

 

[boatrboy]

I had a similar issue - probably have a post about it somewhere. I even called mercruiser but they referred me to an local dealer. Mine was a "Knock" sensor. The codes will appear if they read them with the merc scanner. It would appear out of nowhere. I would shut the boat down it would be good for a while, but soon it started to happen more and more. The scanner did not tell which side so they replaced one, then it happened again and tripped the code again. Finally they replaced the second one and its been good for years.
This alarm was not really known by many that there were more than oil level, oil pressure and overheating could trip the alarm.

Good luck,

Mark