Why do electric start outboards beep when fired up?

[rigi36]

Sorry, random question! Allways wanted to know.

Why do electric start outboards beep when fired up?

Thanks.

[Poly]

They don't all! But I assume you mean that when you turn the key to the "on" position but before you engage the starter it beeps. This tests the alarm function for the overheat/low-oil/water flow alarms if fitted. Beware it only tests some of the functions - so just because it beeps doesn't mean all the circuits are working 100% BUT if it doesn't beep it should highlight that there may be a problem.

[Tony]

ok..Next beep question..why does my Icom fixed VHF make a prolonged beep when I turn it on?

Thanks

[alystra]

Originally Posted by Tony

ok..Next beep question..why does my Icom fixed VHF make a prolonged beep when I turn it on?

Thanks

Because it's trying to be helpful. It's saying 'thank you'. It's telling you that you've just switched it on and it's going to do its thing. It's going to listen for you and if you press its buttons it'll talk for you too. It wants you to press its buttons. It really wants to be helpful, just like Red Dwarf's talking toaster. BUT, just like Red Dwarf's talking toaster it is, unknowingly, extremely irritating and therefore an evolutionary dead end.
Take a hammer to it and don't let Kryton rebuild it.