Tips to troubleshoot horn? Seadog MAXBLAST DUAL TRUMPET

TMT

Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Messages
6
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C SE
Vessel Name
Still...
We rarely use our horn but have had it replaced once because it was not making any sound and 3 months later the new horn was also not making any sound. The wiring and fuse look good. Our mechanic said that they hear this often and believe it is related to non-use of the horn. My online research seemed to suggest that could be right and that the type 304 stainless steel diaphragms dry out. Anyone have any hints or advice about troubleshooting?

Does this article make sense to people? https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/quick ... oat-horns/

This is the horn we have (no compressor): https://sea-dog.com/groups/1564-maxblas ... umpet-horn

It is installed so that horns point slightly downward to permit water drainage as instructed.

Has anyone ever used these and found them helpful with this challenge? https://sea-dog.com/groups/1797-trumpet-horn-tube-cover

Thank you!
 
We have had some problems with our horn as well but they seem to be intermittent.

We keep canvas covers on the horn to cut down on water entry.

Good luck,
Keith
 
I recently replaced my horn because it sounded like it was under-water, and not long after the replacement sounds the same. the placement of it under the windshield overhang on my c30-CB lends water to getting in there - not sure if that's part of the problem. Those covers look like a great idea.
 
Hi there,

Keeping the cover on when not in use definitely helps preserve the horn. Also make sure the horn is pointed slightly downward so water cannot enter and remain in the rear of the horn at the diaphragm. Exercising the horn occasionally also helps keeps things working. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf
 
I just finished this repair on the ongaro horns. The videos are really helpful. Inside there is a set of points much like the points in an old car distributor. I held the points open with a screwdriver just enough to slide in a piece of emery paper. only a few swipes and maybe a drop of wd40 which I ended up doing twice, but the horn sounds like brand new and loud.

Stuart
 
Also just did the same repair on Ongaro horns. Found two things: First no amount of adjusting would make them work, but worked immediately after burnishing the points with emery. Second, found some sort of nest in one trumpet, all the way back against the SS diaphragm. It was made of grass, very fine, and wound in an almost perfect circle inside the end of the trumpet. Given the small diameter, I think it may have been some sort of insect; don't know. Actually the manufacturer's instructions on their site state to NOT adjust them unless they don't work after burnishing the points. Put a drop of 3 in 1 oil on the points after cleaning. So far, work fine. I could see that there had been some water in them, but the issue was pitting from the electrical current across the contact face. Also noted the the new Ongaro horns claim to have a drain in them to reduce water damage.
 
I just finished this repair on the ongaro horns. The videos are really helpful.

Stuart, any chance you could post the link to the videos? If so, and in advance, thanks!

Gini
 
Use a very light abrasive on the points. They are coated and if you burn thru the coating you have bare steel. It will corrode faster.
What I did:
The make up of the horn, as sated above, is a set of points, which are adjusted using a screw with a locknut around it. I stuff some old rags into the horn opening, as at that distance it could injure your hearing. I have someone press the horn button (in the south that's--- mash down on it). I turn the screw in and out a couple of turns and the motion of the points usually cleans them. If not, use a dollar bill. The paper has just enough abrasion to clean them. Then "tune" the screw for loudest sound. Lock down the nut.
I bought an Ongaro horn 3 years ago, and it quit after 3 months. I opened it up and found the tuning screw to be very loose. I did the above fix. It gas not been apart since then. Works fine.
 
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