I was on the water this weekend and ran the motor hard enough that the over heat alarm came on. I turned it off and fished a little while to let it cool. A buddy was with me and he thought maybe we should have let the motor idle to cool down. I was wondering what was every ones opinion on what to do when a motor over heats.
Running the engine hard will not cause it to over heat, there will be a cause! water pressure too low due to engine being too high or picking up a plastic bag over the water inlets or trash in the t-stats. need to find the cause.
Dan Burnette - Marietta, GA
Triton 18TRX - 200 HO G2
Probably got a little obstruction over the intake. After it's cleared, the question still stands-should you idle the motor to circulate some water through it, or just let it sit?
Trim the motor out of the water and verify there are no obstructions covering the intakes then trim it back down and fire it up, check water pressure and make sure there is water coming out of the tell tale and be on your way.
I picked up some hydrilla on my 03 225 running down the lake @ Gville, when the alarm sounded I shut down,raised the motor as Fred said,fired her back up and let it idle for a couple mins then off I went.
I was actually running over a shoal and had already once not made it, so when I got close the second time I stayed in it till the boat would not move. We got out and pushed the boat over the shoal and that is when it was hot. I did make sure I had water coming out of the motor. I do not have a water pressure gauge, but there was a good flow.
So Bassmeister you was fine letting yours idle while it was hot, till it cooled off. That makes me wonder if the heads would not crack like a automobile would if you poor cold water in the radiator while it is hot and not running.
I would invest in a H20 pressure gauge. If not then I hope you have extended warranty.Motor should never overtemp if you have a H20 gauge and read it correctly. Depending on operating conditions, a h20 pump should last 3 years or 300 hours. Shallow water and sandy/muddy water requires more frequent replacement of the impeller.
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