Question re: '87 XR-2 150 HP high water pressure at idle

[CWKboat]

Greetings,

I have a '87 Black Max XR-2 150 HP. I had a leaking poppet valve and just replaced the poppet internals, thermostats (with OEM 143F ones), and impeller. I have had the engine for 3 years and it has always ran strong.

The problem is that when idling on the muffs, it now has 12 PSI at idle/800 RPMs. It is peeing a steady stream. I believe the poppet is functioning because I do see a drop on the water pressure gauge when revving to 1500 RPMs or so and a dump of water from the prop exhaust.

I have always had 2-4 PSI at idle, so I'm baffled as to why it now builds to 12 PSI at idle RPMs? It's peeing steadily soon after start up.

Is it possible that I have an exhaust leak in the powerhead base gasket, or other? Or if there is an obstruction somewhere holding water in the powerhead, would I need to pull the powerhead to check?

Thanks for any advice or starting points from here!

 

[Dukedog]

Check all your water pump gaskets and grommet in tha top of tha housing first..........

 

[CWKboat]

Check all your water pump gaskets and grommet in tha top of tha housing first..........

Is that the grommet that the plastic water tube guide rests with the housing discharge?

 

[Dukedog]

Tha plastic guide tube is on tha outside of tha pump housing. Tha grommet in on tha inside of tha pump housing. Tha copper tube actually seats inside tha grommet when tha gear case is tightened up all tha way..........