Alarm sounds at hole shot

[z21tony]

2008 Ranger Z-21. 2008 Mercury 250 Pro XS. 565 hours on engine. Motor was recently serviced by previous owner. Just got this boat 3 weeks ago. This was the fifth trip out in the boat. Everything was normal on the previous trips out.

Launched the boat and fished several spots and everything was normal. Started the engine on forth or fifth spot. Engine started normally. When I accelerated the Smartcraft alarm went off. I tried again and it went off again. I looked at the Smartcraft display and it looked normal. Water temperature is good but put motor up to check for obstructions at water intakes. They were clear. Plenty of oil in the oil reservoir. Small oil tank under the motor cowling was full. Started again and accelerated slowly and no alarm went off, but engine now has a slight erratic miss. Drove back about 5 miles to the ramp and loaded the boat. Miss seems to come and go. After arriving home I took off the cowling and inspected for something unusual. Everything seems to look ok. Anyone have any ideas?

Serial Number added. Ser.#1B547033

[tomloans]

I have a 2009 250 pro xs...

Do you have a hydraulic Jack too? If so as you are getting on plane are you adjusting both the jack and the trim at the same time? If this is the case, your battery is being overtaxed at that moment. That beep is likely a low voltage beep. Battery is probably not bad but rather over stressed at just that moment of engine lugging and using to very large power consuming items at the same time. I get it all the time and ignore it because I know what is causing it and there is just no solution. They don't make a bigger battery then the one I have. Be sure to charge the battery overnight before you leave for fishing. Hopefully this is your only issue.

I would tighten all connections at the battery for sure. If you in fact have been charging the battery overnight and all connections are buttoned down, you may want to get the battery tested since you didn't have an issue before. Also be sure you have the proper battery. It needs to be a very strong 31 series battery. I use one similar to this monster...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...1s30/2100096-P

Again mine has been doing this since I added the hydraulic jack.

Best wishes,

Tom

[lpugh]

Is the oil tank on the motor filled all the way to the top (1/4 in preferably less air space)

[z21tony]

Hi Tom, no jackplate. I did have a have a jackplate on my '07 Z-21, but never experienced the issue you mentioned.

[z21tony]

Yes, I checked that. It is all the way to the top.

[06 SB]

Was it a solid constant tone or beeps?

Get it to a shop to have the stored alarm codes read. That is the only way to know for sure.

[tomloans]

Honestly it sounds like a weak battery. Have it load checked to be sure. How old is the battery?

[Murph44]

Is the oil tank on the motor filled all the way to the top (1/4 in preferably less air space)

I did did this too thought Just above a 1/4 tank would be fine .. but taking off moved the oil just enough to set the alarm off..

[z21tony]

Solid beep.

[z21tony]

I just got the boat last month. I don't know how old the battery is, but I'm also thinking it might be the battery. I'm going to buy a new battery and see what happens.
Now I need to figure out what battery to buy. I know that I need the most amp hours I can get and a group 31.

[SilverFox579]

See the announcement and FAQ section at top of forum.

[lpugh]

I stand corrected on post #3. Be sure it is completely full to the top

[SilverFox579]

Continuous tone (no beep) is a critical alarm and there are many things that can cause one, shortest, most economical way to solution - WARNING HORN "BEEPED"

[EuropeanAM]

Continuous tone (no beep) is a critical alarm and there are many things that can cause one, shortest, most economical way to solution - WARNING HORN "BEEPED"

+1

Also, please take a few minutes to review the Announcements at the top of the Forum, and update your thread with the REQUIRED Information. Thanks!

[mn_bowhunter]

+1 on battery or alternator. Watch your voltage the next time you take off

[z21tony]

Just had the battery checked. It checks out ok. After I took it out there was a date sticker on the side. 1/18, not even a year old.
Boat is going into the shop on Thursday to get checked out. I'm thinking alternator.

[z21tony]

+1

Also, please take a few minutes to review the Announcements at the top of the Forum, and update your thread with the REQUIRED Information. Thanks!

What don't I have that is required information?

[SilverFox579]

Suspect Don didn't catch that you added your serial number to your signature. I didn't at first either when posted my most previous reply.

[EuropeanAM]

That's it- I went ahead and tacked it into the original post for you. Thanks!

Suggest you go with the advise provided in Post#13. Get PRINTOUTS. The information there will lead almost directly to the correct solution (if the shop doesn't see it in the printouts, post them up here for review).

Given the dozens of possibilities it is very unlikely that you will "guess" the correct component or problem (you'll probably spend a TON of money trying, though).

[z21tony]

Well, I just got back from C&C Marine. They checked the motor and there were no codes thrown. The port thermostat had a little wood debris in it that was causing a slight overheat issue. Not enough to do any damage.
Mechanic cleaned the thermostat and flushed the cooling system. All seems well. Hopefully there will be no issues on my next trip out. I will report back after my next trip. Thanks too all that contributed.
Tony