89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

[mcsanders]

My water alarm and light is going off intermitent. They replaced the water flow sensor when I had it tuned up a couple of months ago. They said I had the old thin style that was prone to go out. They installed the bigger one now.<br /><br />I unplugged the other sensor today (I think it is the water temp sensor, right below the water flow sensor) to see if the alarm would stop. The alarm is now going on all the time. If I just unplug the sensor does that bypass it or do I need to do something else to test it?<br /><br />The pee hole is shooting a good stream and it is not hot.<br /><br />I don't have the money to take it to the shop so any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I have the Clymer shop manual and it doesn't help at all.<br /><br />Does this motor have a thermostat?<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Mark Sanders

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

How do you know its not hot. You can't tell the engine temp by the tell tale. You could have a stuck thermostat or sand in your cylinder head and the tell tale would be peeing just fine. First verify whether the engine is overheating or not. If not then you can check the sensors. You could have bad sensors or you could simply have a short in the sensor wiring (such a frayed wire grounding out).<br /><br />Check the thermostat first.

 

[mcsanders]

Re: 89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

jimd,<br /><br />Thanks for the help. Please forgive my inexperience. I'm saying it's not hot based on the tempature of the water stream from the pee hole (very innacurate I'm guessing). The water stream is not hot to the touch even after the engine is running a long time.<br /><br />Does the DT115 have a thermostat? I can't find it in the book.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark

 

[mcsanders]

Re: 89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

Update... plugged back in the temp sensor and unplugged the water flow sensor. Took the boat to the lake and the alarm did not sound. Plugged back in the water flow sensor and the alarm began intermittently again.<br /><br />I will get the tempature of the engine to find out if it is overheating as jimd suggested.<br /><br />My new question is this: is there a way to test the water flow sensor?<br /><br />Thanks again for any advice.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Steamboat]

Re: 89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

The water flow switch can be removed and tested with an ohm meter but it may just need cleaning. Best advice, take it out, test it, clean it, re-install and see if problem goes away. If not buy a new one and replace - I don't think their that expensive.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: 89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

I have a 1989 DT140 and know all about this annoying water flow sensor!!! I've replaced it many times the past couple of years. If your motor is like mine, the alarm sounds when you turn the key to the on position before you start the engine? It continues to sound until water reaches the float and then shuts off? If this is the case, just take the sensor/float switch out of the motor, then turn the key to the on position. The alarm should sound when the float is in the down or closed position. When you lift the little plastic float it should stop alarming. Hope this helps.<br /><br />I got tired of replacing these faulty float sensors. The last time the alarm sounded I pulled the float switch from the motor, and just broke the top floating part of the sensor completely off. Screwed it back in and no more annoying alarms! I'm going to install a temp and water pressure guage to monitor my engine's cooling.

 

[mcsanders]

Re: 89 DT115 Water Alarm help please

I'm at a loss on this thing. Sensor tests fine w/ ohm meter.<br /><br />Replaced thermostat. Pulled lower unit and checked impeller and checked all water flow passages. Water flow sensor will still sound intermitently.<br /><br />Removed the water flow sensor while on the lake and started the motor. A BUNCH of water came out of the hole so I know I was getting good water flow.<br /><br />This week I installed a water pressure gauge and I'm getting good water pressure at all times (7 lbs at idle and over 15 lbs at 2k + RPMs). Water flow sensor still sounds.<br /><br />As of now, I have disconnected it and I guess if something is really wrong I will find out the hard way.<br /><br />Mark