How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

ritamigo

Seaman
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
62
I am new at this so, please bear with me. I got some info already from Boobie, but he suggested that I start a new thread on this here. I want to ensure that if the oil or gas is low, that I will get a warning. Also, where is the buzzer located and how to test it? He mentioned abrown sender wire to ground, but I don't know what mtr is (is it motor, if so where?) I have a 1993 Hydra-sport x255, 16ft. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

JoeVee
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

The horn should BEEP for a second just once when you turn the key on. Does it ?

To test the horn.... engine NOT running, have the key turned to the ON position, find the TAN wire protruding from the cylinder head and ground it to the block. This will complete the warning horn circuit and the horn should beep steady. If it does not, find out why as this horn is the only warning you will receive if the engine starts to overheat, run out of oil, VRO failure etc.

If you have a standard Johnson control box, the horn is inside of it. If you have a dashboard type console, you'll find it under the console, usually tie strapped to another harness wire. A small expensive black plastic horn with one built in black wire and two slide on terminals. Let us know what you find.
 

Blacksting

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Aug 15, 2011
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213
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Hello Joe , I have an '85 70hp johnny that i need to test 2 things . the vro itself and low oil . i have it plugged off at the oil line . i tried testing for low oil by tipping the oil tank on its side simulating low oil , but did'nt get an alarm sound . i shorted the tan wire and my horn works . but i have know idea how to test the pump . any advice would help bigtime . thanks in advance .
 

ritamigo

Seaman
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
62
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Hello Joe , I have an '85 70hp johnny that i need to test 2 things . the vro itself and low oil . i have it plugged off at the oil line . i tried testing for low oil by tipping the oil tank on its side simulating low oil , but did'nt get an alarm sound . i shorted the tan wire and my horn works . but i have know idea how to test the pump . any advice would help bigtime . thanks in advance .

I think you are asking the wrong person. I have no clue. SORRY, maybe soem one else can help us both on this issue too? As far as the buzzer sounding once when I start up. It doesn't. I have a console with gauges. I assuem taht the alarm is under that. I will try to get to it and connect a 12 volt line to it and see if it works. If not, I will have to keep looking. I'll try shorting the wire on the head. Is that easy to spot?

Thanks, really appreciate it.

JoeVee
 

Blacksting

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Aug 15, 2011
Messages
213
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

i was asking JOE REEVES ' FLEET ADMIRAL' ,...not joevee the cadet . but thanks for the reply . btw , the tan wire has a plug along it and you simply inplug it and ground it to the block . your alarm should sound steady .
 

ritamigo

Seaman
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
62
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Thanks for the clarification... helps. I turned the boat to on and got a long beep that diminished in sound. Is that the buzzer working? If so am I good?

Again, sorry for the Joe mixup...

JoeVee
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Ritamigo.... That proves the horn works if the overheat sensor shorts out from overheating BUT...... THe horn should beep for a split second when the key is turned to the ON position.

Check the horn to see if it is a small black plastic horn with two slide on terminals and one built in black ground wire. If it is and it will not beep when the key is turned to the ON position, that usually indicates the horn is faulty and should be replaced.

NOTE.... the TAN wire should be connected to the slide on terminal closest to the black ground wire.... if reversed and is on the other slide on terminal, weird things will happen!

Blackstring... I sent you a PM (Notification.. top of page)
 

ritamigo

Seaman
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
62
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Ritamigo.... That proves the horn works if the overheat sensor shorts out from overheating BUT...... THe horn should beep for a split second when the key is turned to the ON position.

Check the horn to see if it is a small black plastic horn with two slide on terminals and one built in black ground wire. If it is and it will not beep when the key is turned to the ON position, that usually indicates the horn is faulty and should be replaced.

NOTE.... the TAN wire should be connected to the slide on terminal closest to the black ground wire.... if reversed and is on the other slide on terminal, weird things will happen!

Blackstring... I sent you a PM (Notification.. top of page)

Thanks... I'll let you know...

joeVee
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Joe Reeves, you're very polite. I was going to tell Blacksting on here what I think you put in your pm to him.
 

Blacksting

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Messages
213
Re: How do i test the VRO alarm in my 1994 Johnson 70hp?

Sorry for the confusion guys, but i'll play by the rules .
 
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