Overheating

[kman68f2000]

So I am a new boat owner! Yay!! My first one and I took it to the lake today to check it out. It has a 96 Merc XRI 2.5L 150hp and I had a couple of issues. I cannot get it to plane out on the water for one, it just wants to stand up on end. I think I have an answer for that, but the bigger issue is the overheating. It ran for about 10 minutes and I started getting the constant warning buzzer. I noticed the temp was very high so I shut it down and trolled back in and brought it home. Sad first attempt, but thats what it was for, to see how it was going to run. I have no idea where to even start on this as I have no clue on how to work on boat motors Any suggestions?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Overheating

The first question I have for you is, do you want to learn to work on boat motors? If the answer is yes, then you'll need a Mercury Service Manual for your engine.

If the answer is no then my advice is to find a good shop in your area. Ask around at the dock at the lake and get feel for who's doing good work and is reasonable. We're just starting into the season and most of the good shops are swamped with work so you'll probably have a bit of a wait.

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: Overheating

That's about the best advice anyone could give you right there.

 

[kman68f2000]

Re: Overheating

Thanks for the tips and advice. As much as I would love to learn about boat motors, right now is just not a good time for me. Wish I had a little more time on my hands. I am investing in the book for future reference, for now though, she is in a trustworthy shop and I will have her back on the water tomorrow afternoon

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Overheating

If your boat was standing on end then possibly you need to tilt the motor down?. Also was the engine"peeing"? If not then possibly you were tilted up too much for the water intake to work properly, or your waterpump/impellor needs to be replaced.

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: Overheating

Also good advice.

 

[kman68f2000]

Re: Overheating

Thanks again for the advice everyone. Had a new impeller and prop put on. Also put a doel-fin kit on to help with the sitting down problem. She still struggles a little to sit down in rougher water but it is doing much much better now. She still overheats a bit if I try to run over 1/4 throttle without sitting up on plane though. I think thats from the fin kit though. Other than that I am absolutely loving the boat and catching some nice Largemouth

 

[turtles11756]

Re: Overheating

if it was my motor i would not let it run hot ! find out why and get it fixed or your gonna have major problemo's

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Overheating

Have you done a compression test on the cylinders? Perhaps the overheating could be from a head-gasket or worse. I'd see what your compression readings are and go from there.

 

[circle hook]

Re: Overheating

could also be the thermostat a $10.00 item, and a 10 minute fix, @ $100.00 per hour at shop rate buy yourself a good repair book and ask questions there cheap and small fixes like this can save you hundreds, also if your engine was used in salt water on this site you can buy salt-away you run it through the water system with a garden hose and it will brake away some of the salt build up in your block try that first and then go on. hope this helps