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Naut Home · 24-10-2021, 14:54

Hello
Our 1997 chaparral signature 310 has starting alarms on each motor when the keys are turned on. They are suppose to turn offf once engine is started but they aren’t. Instead they stay on and go off. I took off the panel and straightened the key holes wires but the alarm still stays on when running. Can anyone advise?

stormalong · 24-10-2021, 15:26

What you are calling a starting alarm is actually an oil pressure alarm. The alarm goes off once the oil pressure rises. You say it stays on and then goes off. Rev the engine a little bit after starting. That should turn off the alarm. Have you checked your oil level? It could be that the the pressure switches are a little gunked up and are slow to respond to the rise in oil pressure.

I have noticed the same situation when starting my 18 year old diesel. Only when the engine is cold and the oil is thick.

Do you have pressure gauges you can watch the oil pressure increase. You could replace the oil pressure sensors if it annoys you.

**tkeithlu** · 24-10-2021, 15:31

What's the source of the voltage for the alarm? Most are oil pressure. My alarms sound for low oil presssure and high water temperature, but since you are getting the alarm on startup, it's not water temp. So, trace that sucker back to the switch on the engine. Given that you have not seized your engine, likely the oil pressure sensor is bad. Generic sensors are cheap at your local auto parts store. Otherwise, you've got a short in the wiring.

Naut Home · 24-10-2021, 16:35

I really appreciate your post. I’ll check these things when I go back to boat later this week and report back.

Naut Home · 24-10-2021, 16:36

Thanks very much. Makes sense now. I’ll check these things later this week and report back.

sailingabe41ds · 24-10-2021, 16:43

the only thing is if you get a generic sensor is the sae vs bsp threads may look close to the same and you may have to get an adapter. my yanmar uses bsp ...where most non japanese engines do not. also look at the cable where it connects to the oil sensor and make sure there is no short completing the ground thus sending the alarm off.
adapters are easy to find these days on ebay.
good luck.
abe

Boatyarddog · 25-10-2021, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naut Home

I really appreciate your post. I’ll check these things when I go back to boat later this week and report back.

Check the basics first! Fluid levels.
Gauges in the normal areas on starting?
SV Cloud Duster

conchaway · 25-10-2021, 09:33

1. Locate alarm(s). 2. Disconnect wires from alarm(s). 3. Tape wires back. Problem solved.

stormalong · 25-10-2021, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by conchaway

1. Locate alarm(s). 2. Disconnect wires from alarm(s). 3. Tape wires back. Problem solved.

And then you will not have an alarm when there is a real problem.

VERY BAD IDEA

Gudgeon · 25-10-2021, 09:54

As you start the engine look at the indicator lights (if you have them) and note which one is illuminated. If you have pressure gages note and track level. This will tell you what alarm(s) is alarming. My alternator alarm sounds and indicator lamp is illuminated until I increase the RPM.
As all have noted there are many issues that could cause an alarm on start up and cease after the engine has operated for a short time. you don't say what engine and what type of panel you have.

Comogene · 25-10-2021, 10:35

As others have stated, most alarms that sound when the key is turned on and then go off, are related to oil pressure. If that is what your alarm does but is slow to turn off, then you may have an issue with your oil pressure. Most alarms are made to disconnect at around 6-9 PSI. Increase the engine speed to 1500 rpm once it starts and that should shut off the alarm. If you have an oil pressure gauge, take a look at it although electrical oil pressure gauges are prone to inaccuracy.

Some I/Os and outboards have a drive gear oil LEVEL alarm which has nothing to do with the engine. Without knowing what you have for engines and drive systems, it would be a pure guess. Check the manuals for the engines and drive systems.

Gene