Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshoot - UPDATE

actaeon9

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 22, 2008
Messages
32
Hi All,

I'm trying to assemble a DIY checklist (or flow chart if you will) of items/tests to perform on my 1988 165 mercruiser w/alpha one for excessive heat.

The story: Last year, due to an improperly installed motor before I owned the boat, the oil pan rubbed on the stringer, and finally rubbed through the pan. I had the motor removed and pan fixed, and it was installed with new motor mounts and other odds and ends. Nothing was done with the fresh water cooling system during this work. (Cooling system had always worked fine, I had the impeller and raw water pump done two years ago, along with the heat exchanger checked).

I put the boat in the water for the first time this year, and it (as normal) heated up to about 165-170. As I continued to run at cruising speeds, it continued heating up well past 180 (into the 190s). I finally decided to take it out before we got anywhere near 200. I then start looking through the system, and found that the raw water intake hose (from the foot to the gimbal housing) was corroded, cracked, and leaking cool (raw) water. I had this hose replaced and thought the problem to be fixed. I then took the boat back out, and it displayed the same behavior. So here I am, having spent 2K on the motor being fixed, plus fixing the intake hose, and it's still heating up.

I went out and purchased an infared thermometer last night, and I intend to start troubleshooting the problem. I was told by my mechanic that sometimes when he removes and re-installs old motors, the old gauges can do funny things. Does anyone have any suggestions on the steps to take from here? Where should I test the temp with the infared? I thought about starting with the thermostat, but can't find it? The seloc manual shows a picture of the coolant resivoir, and explains how to change the thermostat, but never shows where it is?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions -
 
Last edited:

arrkerr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 7, 2009
Messages
105
Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshooting

Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshooting

Probably just a bad impeller in the drive, not sucking up enough cool water. Or a bad circulating pump. You can pick up a relatively cheap water pressure gauge to keep an eye on the cooling system performance.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,349
Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshooting

Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshooting

impeller life is about 2 years ,being used every day or sitting,your due for a pump kit.
 

Alterd88

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 9, 2009
Messages
35
Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshooting

Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshooting

where can i get a kit for that
 

actaeon9

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 22, 2008
Messages
32
Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshoot - UPDATE

Hi again all, Update:

I went out this evening and did some poking. I found that when the mechanic re-installed the motor, he kinked the raw water inlet line in the back of the motor where it sort of takes a dive down to the nipple inside the transom. In any case, I re-ran the line (and I think I will replace soon, because it's awfully soft to be kinking I think). I than ran some Thermal Heat Tests on the muffs and he are my results. Could someone please let me know if my temp gauge is off (I think it is?)

All tests were taken at idle on the muffs after about 20 minutes of heating up and the occasional "Rev" (no more than 2000 RPMs)

Temp Gauge was at 165 Degrees (F). Revved it would climb a hair (170 maybe?) idle back to 165 immediately.

Thermal Readings:

- Exhaust Elbow - 130 Degrees F
- Fresh Water Pump Housing - 141.5
- Coolant Resivoir (The one with the pressurized cap) - 145
- Heat Exchanger 145 Front side 155 Back side
- Valve Cover - 124
- Four "Channels" that run from under the valve cover to the black housing that the pressurized coolant resivoir is mounted on top of (top of the motor, near the four spark plugs, hope this makes sense): 190 (Is this too HOT?)
- Oil Pan - 125

This was on the muffs at a somewhat restricted flow (not full hose pressure). I am going to put it in the water in the morning and see if I get the same readings or if it heats up, in which case I will definitely agree with the impeller. I'm just curious as to wether the 190 is too hot, and wether y'all think the readings prove the boat's temp gauge wrong.

Thanks again y'all
 

epicmarine

Recruit
Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
1
Re: Mercruiser 165/Alpha 1 Heat Troubleshoot - UPDATE

If it is still overheating when you try, it you may want to pressure test the closed cooling system. that motor is pron to blown head gaskets. I have had them where they will run cool all day at slow speeds, but overheat as soon as you open them up. cylinder pressure enters the cooling system and usually pops the resivoir cap open and fills the overflow container with coolant.
 

actaeon9

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 22, 2008
Messages
32
3.7L Mercruiser Heat Question

3.7L Mercruiser Heat Question

Ok, So for the few that answered, I thought I would post my results in hopes to help someone out...

I put the boat in the river this weekend and brought my new favorite toy - the infared thermometer. My hope was to prove that my Temp Gauge is showing it's 21 year old age, and that the cooling system was ok. Here are my results posted to the RIGHT of the Muff/Hose results for comparison. The new numbers are in 78 degree freshwater (suwannee river, Florida) on a 90 degree day. I tested under load and at idle and here's the highest readings I got...

Temp Gauge on Muffs
165 Degrees Idle, 170 Revved.

Temp Gauge on River
170 - 190 (185+ @ 3200 RPMs and 190 after returning to idle, but then 170 upon re-load after idling a bit)

On Muffs On River

- Exhaust Elbow - 145 F - 165
- Fresh Water Pump Housing - 141.5 - 155
- Coolant Resivoir (The one with the pressure cap) - 145 - 165
- Heat Exchanger 145 Front side 155 Back side - 155 Front - 165 Back
- Valve Cover - 124 - 140
- Exhaust Manifold Ports: 190 (Is this too HOT?) - 200
- Oil Pan - 125 - 195

So - my thoughts are thought even though these numbers are a bitter higher, so was the water, and the load. Does anyone see anything alarming here? One thing I did fail to mention is that the outdrive has a severly bent skeg (almost 90 degrees, I know, I need to get it fixed, and will as soon as everything else quits breaking lol). The prop shaft is NOT bent, and I have had the prop rebuilt. I have noticed a pretty pronounced erratic shake (or vibration) in the steering wheel, and it IS visible in the outdrive while under load. The vibration is NOT noticeable unless the boat is in the water. Is it possible that the vibration is caused by the skeg? (We took video in case anyone wants to see it) And if so, could it be making it difficult for the impeller/water pump to pickup water?

I hope I have been thorough in my explanation and progress for other newbie 470 possible overheaters. I don't seem to be getting alot of response so I guess thanks to all those that have, and please feel free to make any suggestions :)


Dale
 
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