First I'm running a 1988/89 25 foot Marathon kind of pocket cruiser with a 5.0 merc Alpha one that's running hot (overheating - about 180 I can push it higher) at high speed (20-30 mph) bringing it back down (20mph and below) temps return to normal. Problem just started about a week and a half ago. Seems like water restriction prob from what I can tell (me a converted driveway mechanic learning marine systems)<br /><br />I've scanned the forums and have tried all the advice I've read so far except for like replacing the impeller and I haven't actually replaced the t-stat although I've now bought one so I'm heading in this direction. My water flow's good at all levels risers and exhausts seem fine. I've checked all hoses and flushed out this/that. All seems fairly fine.<br /><br />So I'm going to yank the t-stat anyways and see if that resolves the prob but I've been told that there are two screens on the lower unit that are like water/sea strainer intake ports that often get clogged up. One mechanic said right below the prop housing one either side there is a screen that is held in with two phillips screws and another one said they were higher. Can anyone nail the screen issue down with some additional info?<br />Appreciative...<br />jf...
