Need help replacing horn

[bicyclops]

Just purchased a 2001 208 and the horn only works intermittantly. Is this repairable, and if not can someone recommend a replacement?

 

[cdwood]

Just get a new horn, they're cheap.

 

[striped bass]

I had the same problem. So I replaced my horn with a new one bought at West Marine. It was easy since the wires were accessible from inside the port console. I put a dab of 4200 on the opening where the wires exit the console to the horn and all is watertight. No problems since.

 

[seasick]

Just purchased a 2001 208 and the horn only works intermittantly. Is this repairable, and if not can someone recommend a replacement?

You might want to make sure the the horn switch is OK first. 99% of the time it is the horn itself but I would check with a test lamp first.

 

[bicyclops]

Which horn model works best as a replacement?

 

[Average Joe]

This is the one I used. IMO it's better than the OEM.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... 008&r=view

 

[CJBROWN]

Just purchased a 2001 208 and the horn only works intermittantly. Is this repairable, and if not can someone recommend a replacement?

You might want to make sure the the horn switch is OK first. 99% of the time it is the horn itself but I would check with a test lamp first.

+1 on this one. When those switch panels get old they get a little funky. The circuit breaker and reset is plastic and they can break down. Easy replacement from a marine supply. As a maintenance job I recommend pulling the whole panel and spray it down with a metal protector, WD as a a minimum, or your favorite flavor.

Intermittent does sound like the horn though. Or if it makes weird noises.
I have also seen those switches get corroded and not make good contact.

 

[bicyclops]

For anyone who is interested, I just found out that the original horn is made by Ongaro.

 

[deltarome]

probably need to spray corrosion x inside the new one to try and make it live longer. once salt gets inside, it is tough to get it out. i replaced dual horns on my 05 330 this year. same thing, sounded weak and then mostly nothing. need it for foggy weather or other safety item.

 

[el jefe]

Hey delatarome. Can you detail how you did the replacement. Did you cut the electrical lines from the existing horn at the equipment and then use butt connectors to rejoin t new equipment or did you replace wireing all the way back to the rocker switch? Thanks.

 

[RBallou]

Your horn may not need replacing. Pop the cap on the horn and you will see an adjustment screw. Try changing the setting. Have someone at the helm press the horn switch while you make the adjustment. See if this clears the problem. It did for me.

 

[cheremmi]

Does anyone know if AFI horns are made by Ongaro? Just had boat serviced, mechanic put on a new AFI horn to replace the original Ongaro horn. Mechanic said they were made by same company. He also put the horn on upside down.

 

[CJBROWN]

The bozo...
Since it drains it's probably okay, but I would still face it down, just so it wasn't loaded with saltwater every trip.

I found two different manufacturers online: AFI...and ONGARO.

 

[seasick]

Using the horn actually makes it last longer, it cleans the contacts.
I always give mine a few toots on leaving the dock just to make sure it will work if I need it.

 

[JUST-IN-TIME]

gave up on mine

i have a bottle of compressed air, works the best!!!!

 

[megabytes]

Mine works one day and not the next. Can someone explain how to access the wiring and replace it on a Marlin.

Thanks!

 

[el jefe]

Megabytes, I hear that (or don't hear that as the case may be). I have tried to fiddle with the covers but no joy. Any help on how to replace would be great.

 

[Enough Already]

Ongaro is all stainless and OEM. AFI has steel sound unit that rusts. You decide.