250 Pro XS Engine Temperature in cold water

[tellis]

Is it uncommon if running in 38-40 degree water that my 250 Pro XS engine temp will not get above 80 degrees? I would let it idle for a long time but highest temp it would get to is 80 degrees and once on plane it would drop to 60 degrees or so.

Thanks for any feedback. My local dealer said it is fine when running in this cold water.

[esdbass]

Is this on your smart craft gauge it's only reading that low If so NO it's not OK and your going to stick a ring

Sounds like your T stats are stuck open?

Don I'm sure will be here soon on this but I'd really get with him on this before you run it again!

[tellis]

Yes on the Smartcraft gauges. During warm water it gets up to 120 degrees but not in this cold water lately. Dealer said its fine and expected with 40 degree water but i wanted to get some more opinions. I told the dealer i would expect the thermostat to close and allow the water to warm up to operating temp but the shop said not the case.

[tellis]

If it is debris in the thermostats or poppet how hard is it to remove and clean them out? Can anyone post some pictures and steps to the procedure? Would this be covered under warranty?

[esdbass]

I ran my 250 XS this weekend in 46* water, and I mean ran it hard and it got to 115* to 120* warming it up before I came up on plane, operated at 106 to 108* and a couple times would get down to 98* after a run and a warm up cool down cycle but nothing as low as what your reading

[tellis]

Yeah i think i got a stuck thermostat. I couldn't get it up to temp so i ran it pretty easy.

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by tellis &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Yes on the Smartcraft gauges. During warm water it gets up to 120 degrees but not in this cold water lately. Dealer said its fine and expected with 40 degree water but i wanted to get some more opinions. I told the dealer i would expect the thermostat to close and allow the water to warm up to operating temp but the shop said not the case.</td></tr></table>

This is an indication that you have debris stuck in your thermostat(s).

Debris is NOT a warrantable item, as it's not a "defect in materials or workmanship".

Even in COLD water, your engine MUST reach 120 degrees at idle prior to accelerating. If it doesn't- DON'T ACCELERATE. Stop and find out what's wrong!

Thermostat removal/cleaning is relatively simple. Depending on the type of debris found, it may be a good idea to flush the engine well (including the poppet valve).

Also, don't forget that in nearly every case- any debris that makes it to the thermostats has also traveled THROUGH THE WATER PUMP.

[tellis]

I understand the thermostats are on the top of the motor held on by two bolts. Is there a picture anywhere i could use as reference?

[tellis]

Pulled the thermostats on both sides and there were a couple little pebbles holding the stat open on each side. Would this be enough gap open to not allow the motor to come up to temp?

[EuropeanAM]

That ABSOLUTELY can cause a cold running condition. Anything that becomes lodged in the seat of the thermostat prevents it from closing, which in turn, allows water to circulate when/where it should not be.

Installation is basically "reverse" of removal (ensure gaskets are intact).

[tellis]

Thanks so much Don and Esdbass for your guidance. I dropped the boat in the water to test the cleaned thermostats and the temp started warming right up to 130 degrees and then the stats kicked in and temp dropped to 120 at idle. No leaks, so far seems like a successful repair and clogged thermostats was the issue. I also flushed before water testing to hopefully get any residual sand floating in the cooling system. Going to pull the impeller and replace over the winter as precaution.

Thanks again Don and Esdbass!


Modified by tellis at 7:02 PM 11/16/2010

[EuropeanAM]

Good job.... and GOOD CATCH, BTW.

[esdbass]

Glad it was just the Tstats and those temps are a lot better Info on proper warm up, cool down, and operating temps are NOT something that is very well disseminated out there, it's amazing how even dealers don't always have this info but it's a testament to a guy like Don or some of the other top Tech's out there who give so much on this board helping all of us

PS Make sure you read Don's sticky on proper cool down procedures in cold water as well

[FirstGear]

So, What does your dealer say now???

[Flipping57]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by esdbass &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Glad it was just the Tstats and those temps are a lot better Info on proper warm up, cool down, and operating temps are NOT something that is very well disseminated out there, it's amazing how even dealers don't always have this info but it's a testament to a guy like Don or some of the other top Tech's out there who give so much on this board helping all of us

PS Make sure you read Don's sticky on proper cool down procedures in cold water as well </td></tr></table>

And just think until Smartcraft came out we didn't know what our water temp was.

[tellis]

The dealer/shop actually argued with me about the required temp. I told them there is too much info on here for everyone to be wrong and i definitely trust Don's recommendations. He called Mercury and confirmed 120-130 degree operating temp before taking off and although it might drop on plane it is imperative to get it up to temp before take off. Needless to say I won't be taking my motor there to get any work done.

[FirstGear]

So, the dilema, should I ever have a serious problem is driving to Greenville SC. My worry is how to find a mechanic in the metro that knows these engines. Can't even give credible info on the motor they sell. I hope you gave the dealer this forum so they can learn about their motors.
as Joe Soucheray say's . "good luck"

[esdbass]

Finding a good tech can indeed be a challenge! Two suggestions: A) Go to Merc's web site and find a dealer located near you that is a "Merc Master tech" and B) a Dealership that is Verado qualified. These shops usually have the best techs and highest Merc dealer ratings. Good Luck and I'm sure if you get in a jam Don can help find you a good wrench in your area

[blair]

Once you find a good Tech, you will travel long and far to have your boat and motor properly serviced. They are hard to come by, and when you find a good one, take care of them............

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by FirstGear &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">So, the dilema, should I ever have a serious problem is driving to Greenville SC. My worry is how to find a mechanic in the metro that knows these engines. Can't even give credible info on the motor they sell. I hope you gave the dealer this forum so they can learn about their motors.
as Joe Soucheray say's . "good luck" </td></tr></table>

Try this link: http://www.mercurymarine.com/find-a-dealer/

Under SERVICE, choose:

-Outboard PREMIER (Premier Dealers must have Certified or Master Tech's)
-Verado Qualified (Must have Computer Diagnostic System & Verado Training)
-Customer Satisfaction Index Award (Self Explanitory).

If you don't locate something suitable, expland your search radius, OR, begin unchecking the above selections (starting at the bottom of the list, for instance).