Too hot to handle

[Cpt.of LEEWAY]

Hello all,
Just bought a 1988 Carver Montego 27' and have a few issues.

I have twin Mercruisers 4 cyclinders, both of which are about 5 years old according to the seller and confirmed by the surveyor.

Starboard engine is running extremely hot (190) when I am at cruise (25). When I reduce the throttle and cruise at a slower speed say around 20 knots she runs at around 160. I am hoping it is not a leaky head or worse. Any thoughts.

The port engine will not stay running when at idle no matter how long I run it. I also noticed that the oil gauge drops off completely when the engine is at idle. I also loose power frequently when at cruise with this engine. When I pull back to idle and let it sit for a few minutes it will power up no problem. I am guessing that my fuel pick up may be an issue or a fuel line. Looking for any guidance.

Cpt. of LEEWAY

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Too hot to handle

Starboard engine sounds like it needs a new raw water pump impeller.

Do you boat in salt water? If so, your risers and manifolds also need to be checked.

 

[Cpt.of LEEWAY]

Re: Too hot to handle

Bruce,

I boat on the Hudson. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Too hot to handle

OK...help me out with my geography...Southern California here.

Doesn't boating on the Hudson mean you could be boating in either salt or fresh water?

 

[Don S]

Re: Too hot to handle

Your impellers are a maintenance item. If you have the original outdrives (Alpha I's) they should have the impeller replaced every other year. Just to prevent problems during the season. Is your engine raw water cooled or fresh water cooled (Does it have a heat exchanger with antifreeze)?

 

[Cpt.of LEEWAY]

Re: Too hot to handle

OK...help me out with my geography...Southern California here.

Doesn't boating on the Hudson mean you could be boating in either salt or fresh water?

Bruce, I guess technically I am boating in Fresh water, although using the term fresh water and Hudson in the same sentence just does not seem to go.

 

[Cpt.of LEEWAY]

Re: Too hot to handle

Your impellers are a maintenance item. If you have the original outdrives (Alpha I's) they should have the impeller replaced every other year. Just to prevent problems during the season. Is your engine raw water cooled or fresh water cooled (Does it have a heat exchanger with antifreeze)?

Don,

I have the Alpha I's. The engine is fresh water cooled, I checked the anti-freeze level and did find it a little low.

 

[Don S]

Re: Too hot to handle

You still need to check the impellers.
That is the first thing a person checks when there is an overheat problem. A plastic bag over the intake for a few minutes is all it takes to kill an impeller.

 

[Cpt.of LEEWAY]

Re: Too hot to handle

Don,

The first time it did this I checked to make sure I did not pick up a bag or some other type of debris. I am thinking I may have a leak in the head, when I checked the bilge last night I found some anti-freeze. Not sure if it came from the motor being so hot and it blew it out or if there is a leak.

 

[4winnsskipper]

Re: Too hot to handle

Don,

The first time it did this I checked to make sure I did not pick up a bag or some other type of debris. I am thinking I may have a leak in the head, when I checked the bilge last night I found some anti-freeze. Not sure if it came from the motor being so hot and it blew it out or if there is a leak.

DOOD, check the frickin impellar like don said, then im sure that will help narrow things down if not solve your over heating issue.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Too hot to handle

Bruce, I guess technically I am boating in Fresh water, although using the term fresh water and Hudson in the same sentence just does not seem to go.

I know what ya mean, I used to keep my boat in Chelsea.....
Check the impwller like Don S suggests.......
For the engine that quits on ya, try using a portable tank (temporarily), to see if it will still do it.....
That would narrow it down to a fuel delivery problem......​