Check Engine Light Flashing!

[stickball]

Hi All - I have a 1998 Suzuki 60 4-stroke that's started acting hinky the other day. It starts normally, with the loud tone for a few seconds, and then the long tone is replaced by a repeating beep that doesn't stop. I can push the ignition key in for a few seconds and that makes the beeping go away. However, the "Check Engine" light flashes five times in a row, waits a beat, and then repeats the process indefinitely. Five flashes, beat, five flashes, beat... The motor runs fine until 3500rpm, at which point it loses power, then gains power, then loses it, then gains it. We've been tearing what little hair we have left out of our collective heads. Can anyone please shed some light on what's happening here? Please...? TIA!

 

[dingbat]

What does the manual say about the alarm?

 

[stickball]

The manual I have doesn't really address it. Three mechanics I've spoken with put their collective heads together and are pretty sure that it's the exhaust manifold sensor, and so we've ordered one. It'll be here Tuesday or Wednesday. They were able to plug the motor into a diagnostic system which indicated that the water temp in the exhaust manifold was 385 degrees!! That's probably wrong, right? I'm not even sure that I expressed that correctly. In any event, we'll know by the middle of next week... Fingers crossed!

 

[dingbat]

They were able to plug the motor into a diagnostic system which indicated that the water temp in the exhaust manifold was 385 degrees!! That's probably wrong, right?!

At that point you would be looking at a bad “steam” sensor.....lol

 

[99yam40]

why not pull the sensor and test it to see if it reads properly at some temps?

 

[stickball]

That's a good idea, 99yam40; I'll pass it along to the more mechanical of our group... Thanks!!

 

[stickball]

Here's an update on this issue - the new sensor arrived middle of the week and when we went to install it, it didn't fit! Dealer in Seattle sent the wrong sensor. Now we have to wait till middle of next week! This boat stuff is frustrating...

By the way, on this motor, should the water coming from the telltale hole be a blasting stream, or sort of a burbling fountain?

Thanks for reading; updates as they occur...