Question for Don (or anyone else that may know) re poppet valve / pee stream

[ChiefManyRises]

Don,

this is a follow up to my other post where I was getting an overheat alarm due to weeds being sucked up. In reading through previous posts re overheating and poppet valve replacement, it seems like I shouldn't see a pee stream at all until a certain RPM is reached and the thermostats open up. As far as I can remember I have always had a pee stream even at cold start up. Does this possibly indicate my thermostats may be stuck open?

I will be replacing the impeller, thermostats, and possibly the poppet valve here very soon as none of these have been done for at least 2 years (since I've owned the boat) or maybe longer. I looked at the thermostat housing and it honestly looks like the seal had never been broken on the bolts so it's very possible they are the originals.

It's a 2000 225 EFI serial# OT165529

Thank you.

[PlanoKeith]

I am not Don but I think your motor should start peeing within 20 to 30 seconds after you start. On these big 225 EFI motors the tail tell is not thermostat controlled. I have a 1999 225 EFI and I get the stream within 20 seconds after start. It may be a possible that something got sucked up into the cooling system and is blocking a cooling passage causing the over heat. Maybe some of the experts will be along ( like Don ) and tell you more detail about it . Good Luck

[ChiefManyRises]

I appreciate the info. I did have a situation this past weekend where I had the overheat alarm go off because I believe I had some weeds sucked in the system. Now I'm trying to research everything to see where I need to be maintenance wise. This site is awesome and such a valuable resource for learning.

[EuropeanAM]

Correct explanation above- this engine's tellatale stream is NOT thermostatically controlled.

When researching topics... always make sure you research topic that APPLY SPECIFICALLY to your engine (don't try to apply theories from a completely different engine series).

You're on the right track- start with the WATER PUMP (ALWAYS)... then move to the thermostats and poppet valve.

BTW.... Water Pump Replacement, and Thermostat Inspection/Testing should be part of your ANNUAL Maintenance Plan.

[ChiefManyRises]

I appreciate all the info. I replaced the thermostats last night as my local dealer had them in stock. I will order the impeller next. I truly believe the thermostats have never been changed on this motor (2000). The bolts still had the original paint on them and the flange had never been seperated from the motor.