1987 60HP MERC OVERHEATING IN 85DEGREE WATER?

ricknel

Cadet
Joined
Jul 22, 2007
Messages
9
I have a 1987 merc 3cylinder autolube 60hp and it only goes into over heat alarm when the water her in virginia gets over 85 degress.all spring i ran top
speed(5,000rpm) in cooler water and no alrms at all.it runs great,starts up great each time.i do not use the old AUTOLUBE i just put 3oz of 2cycle oil
in each gal.
 

emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
How old are the impeller, thermostat, poppet valve? The cooling system may be marginal and it's enough to cause the overheat condition in warm water. Might be time for a little servicing.

It's a good idea to replace the impeller every year on those Triples, anyway. Loss of an impeller is almost guaranteed to result in a cracked block, so the $20 or so impeller is definitely cheap insurance!

When you're in there, check the pump stainless "cup" insert and also the pump plate. If they have any scoring or wear, renew them. Worn parts will most certainly reduce pumping efficiency.

Last thought, when you get an alarm, is the powerhead actually getting hot? Feel the exhaust manifold cover, it should never get much warmer than the cooling water's temp. If it's hot as a pistol, then the engine is actually overheating. Make sure you have a 125 degree, and no hotter, thermostat. If the motor shows no signs of being hot when the temp alarm goes off, you may have a faulty temperature sensor. Your manual will have the testing procedure for the sensor.


HTH.......ed
 

ricknel

Cadet
Joined
Jul 22, 2007
Messages
9
well i checked my records and water pump was replaced last yr.i dont have a poppet valve or thermostat on this engine(SERIAL# B259512)
many years ago i had same trouble and found broke off paddles from old water pump impeller.after much frustrations to get it fixed
i took off water jacket cover myself and found 2 pieces and cleaned them out and all was ok.
RICK 804-615-2277
 

ricknel

Cadet
Joined
Jul 22, 2007
Messages
9
SHOULD I FIND A MARINE TECH WHO HAS A INFARED GUN SO HE CAN SHOOT IT AT MOTOR WHILE I RUN IT AT HIGH SPEED?
 

emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
SHOULD I FIND A MARINE TECH WHO HAS A INFARED GUN SO HE CAN SHOOT IT AT MOTOR WHILE I RUN IT AT HIGH SPEED?

You can get a very inexpensive IR gun from eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/111393747078

And I wonder if some of those pesky impeller blades got away from you and are causing issues again? Worst case, you could have something stuck in the water passages under the powerhead.

You could pull the lower unit, remove the cylinder block cover (the one over the back of the block/spark plug holes) & exhaust manifold cover/baffle, connect a water supply to the copper water tube and let 'er rip!

Most likely you'd flush out any offending items without having to pull the powerhead.

G'luck..........ed
 
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