OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Greenfield Ride On Mower Frames What's that sound? Greenfield with a Honda GXV390

Has anyone heard what the oil alert buzzer on the Honda GXV390 motor sounds like?

I've been resurrecting a Greenfield with a Honda GXV390 motor with unknown history. There is a "ping" or "ting" sound when I slowly pull the recoil starter, and it happens once per revolution.
Its not mechanical, fortunately, as I feared at first.

The sound only occurs when the throttle switch is not in the "off" position, which cuts off the power, so it must be electrical.
Activating the kill switch adjacent to the throttle control arm turns the sound on or off.
If I turn it over with the throttle off, no sound occurs.

I thought it might be the oil alert buzzer, but the oil level is fine.
Also I can start and run the engine, with it pinging away, so I shut it off so I don't damage something. So how can it be the oil alert system, which should prevent the motor running?

Any thoughts?
Cheers

Hi ichi,
I have no idea and if you think it is an oil alert (I'm not sure if the 390 has one but if you say it does) then first thing I would do is disconnect the oil alert switch and see if that stops the noise, at least that will eliminate it.

Thanks for your reply, Norm.

Yes from the Honda GXV390 User Manual:
"OIL ALERT® BUZZER (oil alert type only)
The OIL ALERT buzzer will warn you before the engine oil level falls below the safe operating limit. If the buzzer sounds, stop the engine
immediately and add oil."

My query relates to the sound, as mine is a "ting", definitely not a "buzz", which is why I was wondering if anyone was familiar with the sound of the oil alert buzzer .

I will disconnect the oil alert switch tomorrow.

Cheers

Found it!

There was a small round "buzzer" unit hiding at the rear of the motor, behind the throttle control arm.
Just needed an oil change and a little more oil added, and the "tinging" sound disappeared.

Cheers