Dash board clicking like a geiger counter

[The Drake]

I have a 16.5ft Lund (in boat gas tank) with a 75h merc and the last time I was out the dash board (instrument panel) began clicking or chirping like a geiger counter or something like a metal detector. The battery guage needle was pulsing up and down as well. What could be the cause of this and possible solutions?

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Dash board clicking like a geiger counter

Do you have a chirping noise during startup like alot of boats do?? Often times the manufacturer will have an audible noise for things like low oil pressure, temp, etc that also comes on during startup. Could be a malfunction in that, check with Mercury and Lund (or call the dealer) and find out if there's anything like that installed. If not, the guage jumping seems like an issue with either your alternator or a wire losing connection somewhere. Just a few thoughts- not the law by any means. Good luck!

 

[The Drake]

Re: Dash board clicking like a geiger counter

I do have the alarm beeps when i turn the key to choke and start. The chirps that I am speaking of are not these alarms and coming from behind the dash board and not as loud.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Dash board clicking like a geiger counter

If the voltmeter is pulsing when this is going on, I suspect the noise you hear is an auto-reset circuit breaker opening and closing which indicates there is an electrical problem somewhere. What frequency is this pulsing noise. If it's a breaker cycling, it would make a noise then be silent for a minute or so. If it's more rapid than that, then it is something else. If the boat has an hour meter, you may be hearing that. An hour meter will click every five seconds or so.

 

[The Drake]

Re: Dash board clicking like a geiger counter

I don't have an hour meter on the dash so I guess thats out. the frequency is steady at idle or cruising speed. the volume of the chirping does not fluctuate at all; stays the same.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Dash board clicking like a geiger counter

Then I guess it is the old "get down and get under" diagnostic approach to see if you can see, feel, or hear what's making the noise. Post a picture of what you find or at least a thorough description. The noise is very likely from an electrical device so something is either not working or working incorrectly. Check operation of all of the accessories.