Greetings all, newbie here. Water looks nice so I'm going to jump right in...
'88 21' Sea-Ray Sorrento with 5.7 Mercruiser (carburated) and Alpha 1 outdrive. Been out of the water for the last two years but winterized properly for Midwest climate an outdoor storage.
I've owned boat for 10 years and have replaced impeller once about 5 years ago. When I started motor, ran well but temp went to about 180. Usually it runs about 145. In the driveway with hose hooked up, water coming out under bellows seemed warmer on one side than the other (as you're standing at the back of the boat and looking at outdrive, water warmer on left side).
Took boat out for a cruise on Friday night and noted still running about 180 or so for water temp. When I got on plane, temp went down to usual 145. Slowing down to idle and going slow, temp went up to 200 so I increase speed and temp came down to 180 or so. Did this for about 30 minutes for a nice cruise in the river and got out into the "big lake" and motor just died. Tried to start but wouldn't fire, then started briefly and backfired, then died again. Temp was still around 180 when this happened. After a few minutes, turned ignition on, and temp at 220 (limit of gauge). Figured that was residual heat from motor with no fresh water pumping through. Engine oil on dipstick looks new (just put it in) and was at appropriate level. No steam or water leaking from motor.
Gotta tow to trailer and got it home. About two hours after this happened, motor started and ran in my driveway. Today, hooked up hose and started motor. Seemd to run fine with water temp going back up to 180. Opened all four "petcocks" and lots of water drained from all of them.
So, I am in the process of replacing impeller, but wondering if anyone has any thoughts. I have done NOTHING to the cooling system other than replace impeller once and drain system and fill with anti-freeze in the fall.
And ideas would be appreciated!
'88 21' Sea-Ray Sorrento with 5.7 Mercruiser (carburated) and Alpha 1 outdrive. Been out of the water for the last two years but winterized properly for Midwest climate an outdoor storage.
I've owned boat for 10 years and have replaced impeller once about 5 years ago. When I started motor, ran well but temp went to about 180. Usually it runs about 145. In the driveway with hose hooked up, water coming out under bellows seemed warmer on one side than the other (as you're standing at the back of the boat and looking at outdrive, water warmer on left side).
Took boat out for a cruise on Friday night and noted still running about 180 or so for water temp. When I got on plane, temp went down to usual 145. Slowing down to idle and going slow, temp went up to 200 so I increase speed and temp came down to 180 or so. Did this for about 30 minutes for a nice cruise in the river and got out into the "big lake" and motor just died. Tried to start but wouldn't fire, then started briefly and backfired, then died again. Temp was still around 180 when this happened. After a few minutes, turned ignition on, and temp at 220 (limit of gauge). Figured that was residual heat from motor with no fresh water pumping through. Engine oil on dipstick looks new (just put it in) and was at appropriate level. No steam or water leaking from motor.
Gotta tow to trailer and got it home. About two hours after this happened, motor started and ran in my driveway. Today, hooked up hose and started motor. Seemd to run fine with water temp going back up to 180. Opened all four "petcocks" and lots of water drained from all of them.
So, I am in the process of replacing impeller, but wondering if anyone has any thoughts. I have done NOTHING to the cooling system other than replace impeller once and drain system and fill with anti-freeze in the fall.
And ideas would be appreciated!
