Warning Buzzer

Post by **jake** » Sat May 09, 2009 6:42 am

I was wondering if anyone may have a answer for me; I took out my new boat I just got for the first time (2006 Lowe 185 135 Merc Optimax) on the Ottawa last night everything was running great until I hit about 30mph or 4200rpms. Then a buzzer went off from the the side console when I tried to accelerate but would go off when I let off on the throtle by just a hair. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Post by **MLR** » Sat May 09, 2009 7:25 am

What does the manual say?

Post by JP » Sat May 09, 2009 7:38 am

1. Check your oil tank, if you are close to 1/4 full the sloshing of the oil can set the sensor off.
2. If you are not getting good water pressure through the engine an alarm will go off. Is your engine pee pee water well at mid RPM? You may have sucked in some weeds and partially plugged the intake.

JP

Post by **gonefishin** » Sat May 09, 2009 7:41 am

I just purchased a used merc (not optimax) and the manual said my merc has a buzzer (horn) for over temp alert as well as for over reving. Not sure if it's the same for an optimax.

Post by **DropShotr** » Sat May 09, 2009 7:43 am

There is a section about warning buzzers here:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/serviceand ... ptimax.php

I'd be checking out your owners manual and calling your dealer. I'd get this sorted out before operating it again.

As a thought, how full is your oil reservior?

Good luck,
DropShot'r

Post by **mdej** » Sat May 09, 2009 8:52 am

I second the idea to check you oil tank. Make sure its got lots of oil. I had that happen with my Evinrude. When I would start bouncing the boat around the alarm would sound. Turned out it was just the oil sloshing around. As so as I topped it up no problem.

On your console when you hear the alarm is there not a lighting system Should show you if its overheat, oil etc. Might have to cover the lights in bright sun to see which one lights up.

Post by **jake** » Sun May 10, 2009 7:47 am

Thanks for the suggestions. I am pretty sure it is a overheating issue I through in a gallon of oil to top it off before I left home. The buzzer was a constant one if I held the speed I was doing with out backing off. I don't have a manual yet but will order one on Monday. Going to check the water temp thats pee pee out the motor to see if burning hot or not today. For the Valley boys/ Ottawa has anyone tried White Lk Marina, I believe it is the closest merc dealer around

Post by **Terry_F** » Sun May 10, 2009 8:03 am

jake wrote:Thanks for the suggestions. I am pretty sure it is a overheating issue I through in a gallon of oil to top it off before I left home. The buzzer was a constant one if I held the speed I was doing with out backing off. I don't have a manual yet but will order one on Monday. Going to check the water temp thats pee pee out the motor to see if burning hot or not today. For the Valley boys/ Ottawa has anyone tried White Lk Marina, I believe it is the closest merc dealer around

I took my 14' Lund with 30HP Merc there for years and always had excellent service.

Post by **Cyber** » Sun May 10, 2009 9:02 am

I've taken different boats there for service, always top notch. (Always Mercs as well)

Now they were just bought out last fall, not sure if new owners kept the existing staff or not.

But if they did, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Post by **jcuts9** » Sun May 10, 2009 9:06 am

Also check your water collector, it may be full. Mine did that to me 2 yrs ago and it was full. All the ethonol now is making for problems

Post by **Mick** » Sun May 10, 2009 9:21 am

Jake

if your buzzer sound is intermittent you have a problem but nothing major

a continuous buzzer is a more significant problem and you don't want to be running that engine until you sort it out.

You might check out Michael Lynch Staunton of MLS Small Engine repair, he is well regarded by hte folks on this board.

Mick

Post by **CNs** » Sun May 10, 2009 10:53 am

Jake

This sounds like a thermostat issue. Try to remove your thermostat(s) and see if they are being blocked by any debris.