Johnson 90 constant alarm

Jvitto

Recruit
Joined
Apr 21, 2008
Messages
4
I just brought my 98 aquasport osprey 175 with Johnson 90 out from a long winter. Started fine on the trailer. Topped off the 23 gallon tank with 5 gallons of gas, added 14 oz. of oil and dropped her in the drink. Motored with no wake for 5 minutes or so and a constant alarm sounded from under the console. The alarm comes on as soon as the key is in the on position whether or not the engine is started. The engine is running smoother than ever. Does anyone know what this alarm indicates? I don't have an owners manual.
 
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seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: Johnson 90 constant alarm

Is the engine a '98 also? If so, you would have the 4 System Check warning lights. Which one is lit? Even then the horn should only be on for 10 seconds and only when the motor is running, unless the System Check gauge is bad.

If the motor is a '95 or older, then there is a short in the tan warning system wire, or a shorted sensor, or the oil tank electronics are flakey(disconnect the oil tank wiring connection at the motor to see if the horn stops)
 

Jvitto

Recruit
Joined
Apr 21, 2008
Messages
4
Re: Johnson 90 constant alarm

The engine is a '98 also and doesn't have any light indicators on the console. I mix my gas/oil so I don't have an oil tank (if I do, I don't know about it and would appreciate any ponters to find it).

I'll get out in a day or so (damn rain in boston) to trace the tan wire back to ensure it isn't shorted and check the sensor.

Someone told me today that it would indicate a bad impellor in my lower unit but I know I'm circulating water as the it "pees" with the muffs on. Is there any truth in this advice? Should I go off in this direction?
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,102
Re: Johnson 90 constant alarm

THe four original sensors on that motor are: low oil in the tank, no oil at the VRO, Check Engine (fuel restricton) and overheat. It the VRO was removed properly, the first two sensors will have been disabled. Disconnect the tan overheat sensor and pump the primer to remove the lack of fuel condition, If the horn still sounds, it is likely bad.
 
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