Should I be concerned?

[jayhanig]

I managed to hit a sandbar today doing about 25. I tried to power my way off without success only for a couple of brief tries in each direction. The engine did not stall but I then shut it down, climbed into the water, and pulled the boat into deeper water. I then restarted the engine and completed my trip. The engine stayed at 175 degrees the whole time, which is completely normal for it.

Later, when I got it home and hooked up the muffs, I couldn't seem to get it to warm up enough to open the thermostat. I typically run it long enough to open the thermostat, then flush with Salt Exterminator. But in this case it seemed to want to hover around 100 degrees, even after several minutes. Feeling the hoses leading to the thermostat housing, and the housing itself: they were cool to the touch. The water squirting out of the outdrive seemed to be less than normal and its temperature was warm but not hot. This is a 3 liter GM Mercruiser engine with an Alpha One outdrive.

I drained the block and manifold for the cold weather expected over the weekend. I was planning on winterizing the boat next week.

Have I plugged up cooling channels within the outdrive or engine with sand and if I have, what should I do about it? To complicate things, I'm not 100% convinced the lower water volume isn't my imagination.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Should I be concerned?

Hi Jay, sorry to hear of your mishap today, unfortunately this happens from time to time while boating.

Sounds like you may have sucked up a bit of sand and the reason the temp is only getting to 100 is most likely the thermostat is stuck/held open due to debris from the sand bar. With the thermostat held open like it is, the thermostat is not allowing the engine to get hot enough once it has cooled off from the drive home.

Time to pull the thermostat housing for an inspection. At the very least you will need a new gasket. But if it's been awhile since you had the thermostat housing off of the engine you may as well install all new parts just as a precautionary maintenance item if desired or looks to be needed.

Also I'm going to move/place your thread down in the Mercruiser repair section for you so you can get the appropriate help from our helpful members for additional ideas of what may be wrong or clogged.

Hope this helps, Good luck.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Should I be concerned?

I just wanted to say thanks for responding. I was waiting to see if anyone else would but I will assume that others reading your answer agreed with it.

I dropped the boat off Saturday with my engine guy and while there's no film at 11, I'm fairly confident that this won't be a big thing. It could have been much worse: I met a friend at the boat shop who also hit a sandbar last week. He no longer has a skeg.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Should I be concerned?

I just wanted to say thanks for responding. I was waiting to see if anyone else would but I will assume that others reading your answer agreed with it.

I dropped the boat off Saturday with my engine guy and while there's no film at 11, I'm fairly confident that this won't be a big thing. It could have been much worse: I met a friend at the boat shop who also hit a sandbar last week. He no longer has a skeg.

This is my philosophy, I'll do an agree or + 1 only if I can add an additional comment. There was nothing left out from Fun Times post

Have a good one

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Should I be concerned?

If you pulled some sand through the outdrive it could have damaged the impeller and pump. Would be a good idea to inspect the pump housing for scoring and change the impeller.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Should I be concerned?

This is my philosophy, I'll do an agree or + 1 only if I can add an additional comment. There was nothing left out from Fun Times post

Have a good one

Truthfully, I meant it when I said I assumed others agreed with it. I wasn't whining. And thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Re: Should I be concerned?

Truthfully, I meant it when I said I assumed others agreed with it. I wasn't whining. And thanks!

Sorry my apologies, but didn't mean it that way