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High Temperature Warning Horn/Buzzer

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1984 Tidecraft

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Hello all, I have a question about my high temperature warning horn/buzzer on my 1983 Johnson 115 HP V4 motor. Does anyone know for sure if the horn/buzzer is supposed to make a chirp/buzz sound when the key is first turn on, on a 1983 Johnson 115 HP V4? It seems like to me, years ago it used to when I first turned the key on, but I can't remember for sure. I did some research on the internet, and I am getting different information. Some of the information said it should chirp/buzz when the key is first turned on to let you know the warning horn/buzzer is working. Some information said it won't chirp/buzz when the key is first turned on, on a 1983 model and you should test it from time to time by grounding out the wire that goes from the horn/buzzer to the temperature sensor. The same article said the warning horn/buzzer will make a chirp/buzz sound on later year models when you turn the key on, but not on a 1983 model. Thanks
 
1984 Tidecraft said:
Hello all, I have a question about my high temperature warning horn/buzzer on my 1983 Johnson 115 HP V4 motor. Does anyone know for sure if the horn/buzzer is supposed to make a chirp/buzz sound when the key is first turn on, on a 1983 Johnson 115 HP V4? It seems like to me, years ago it used to when I first turned the key on, but I can't remember for sure. I did some research on the internet, and I am getting different information. Some of the information said it should chirp/buzz when the key is first turned on to let you know the warning horn/buzzer is working. Some information said it won't chirp/buzz when the key is first turned on, on a 1983 model and you should test it from time to time by grounding out the wire that goes from the horn/buzzer to the temperature sensor. The same article said the warning horn/buzzer will make a chirp/buzz sound on later year models when you turn the key on, but not on a 1983 model. Thanks
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Hello all, I found the answer to my warning horn/buzzer question from a man who owns a repair boat shop and sells boat parts, so I wanted to share his answer on this forum. I still had the original warning horn/buzzer, (part # 389263) on my boat. According to this man, the original warning horn/buzzer would/will not make a sound/chirp when you first turned on the key. It would only sound when/if the engine got too hot. Later models of the warning horn/buzzer will make a sound/chirp when you first turn on the key to let you know the warning horn/buzzer is working. They make a warning horn/buzzer replacement kit, (part # 585992) that will make a sound/chirp when you first turn on the key for the older warning horn/buzzer models. I installed the new warning horn/buzzer, and it fit perfectly in place of the old one and it sounds/chirps when the key is first turned on. The only modification you have to make is to drill 4 small holes in the remote-control casing in front of where the warning horn/buzzer is installed. The purpose of the 4 holes is so you can hear the warning horn/buzzer when it sounds. The warning horn/buzzer kit comes with a diagram of where you need to drill the 4 holes. I hope this information helps other boaters out there.
 
Both articles you read can be right. Depends which horn is in your control box.

There were two horns on the pre 96 OMC motors. The original one has two spade terminals on the back, purple and tan. That one has no self test in it. It will not chirp at key on, ever. The later replacement horn has a short black ground pigtail built into it, and that is the one that beeps once when you turn the key on. The beep is the horn testing itself.

So pull the horn out and look at the back. Two terminals only? No chirp is normal, nothing is broken. A third terminal or that little black wire? Then it should beep, and if it quit beeping the horn is on its way out.

Either way the real test is the same. Key on, engine not running. Find the tan wire coming off the heat switch on the cylinder head and touch it to the powerhead. The horn should honk loud. That completes the circuit and proves the horn and the purple feed are good. If it stays quiet, put a meter on the purple terminal at the horn with the key on. No 12 volts there and you are chasing a keyswitch or harness problem, not a horn.

You can also bench test it. Purple terminal to battery positive, tan terminal to negative. Should scream.

One gotcha on the newer pigtail horn. The tan wire has to go on the spade closest to that black ground lead. Swap them and it does odd things, like a weak chirp or nothing at all.

How many terminals are on the back of yours, and is the horn inside the control box or up under the dash?

thanks
 
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