1989 60HP Johnson warning Horn issue

[BUSHWAC]

I just started having a warning horn issue with my 60hp Johnson. It’s a 1989 model that has various warning alarms. The manual states that it should give a short alarm every time you start the engine to let you know that the warning system is operating. It has never done this since I have had the engine, 5-6 years. I do know that the system has been working because any time I get a low oil level in my reservoir it gives the proper alarm. Now when I go to start my engine the warning horn comes on in a continuous warning stating an overheat situation. This is with a cold engine and plenty of water being discharged from the water pump. Is the over heat sensor bad or is the warning horn itself failing. I turned the engine on and off a few times and it stops but I know there is some type of problem and starting and stopping the engine is not the fix I am looking for. Any help would be appreciated!!

[ChuckN]

Family has owned that same motor, '89 60 Johnson tiller. In the 12 years we've never heard the buzzer, never at start up either. But, it's a tiller without a key ignition.

I don't know what to tell you on the alarm other than I would seek an OMC mechanic for proper diagnosis. I would take a wild guess and say a sensor is faulty. But when it comes to expensive electrical parts they are non-returnable once purchased, unless you know exactly which part it is.

[Mr. Nailz]

We have a 90 20 HP that started doing the same thing. Mostly after trolling at low speeds for a while. Hopfully someone can give us a good guess. It sure gets annoying!

[ChuckN]

That's sounds like it's overheating Nailz. Get a new water pump in that motor.

[Mr. Nailz]

That was my first thought, but it pumps water to beat the band. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to put in an impeller. I've only worked on Merc's, is a Johnson much different to work on?

[ChuckN]

When I've worked on my Mercury, and the OMC's, I did not really notice much difference in the process. Some OMC's had a shift link that needed to be detached to drop the lower unit where the Mercury did not. That's about the only difference I noticed.

BTW, water can pee out the indicator all it wants, but that doesn't always mean that the pump is forcing enough water to cool the powerhead at low RPM's. It's good to change an impeller every 3 years.

[Mr. Nailz]

Thanks Chuck!

[Mr. Nailz]

As suspected, the impeller was bad. Two fins were completly gone and the rest were all ripped. Should cool like wild now. Thanks for all your help guys.