sand in cooling system

[WMLU]

I have a 2006 Merc 225 PRO XS.Yesterday I stuck my boat on a sandbar and sucked alot of sand in the water pump.When I got home I pulled the lower unit and remove the water pump and blew all sand out of the passages.I then remove the flushing plug on the back and it was full of sand as well as the pee hole.My question is should I remove anything else,thermostats ect. and if so how do I proceed?
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

I would recommend addressing in the following order:

-Flush with cowling-mounted flush attachment (this is one time I'll recommend it as very useful)

-REPLACE water pump, flush ALL water inlet passages in gearcase

-Remove thermostats and inspect/replace as necessary (sand laden t-stats are likely NOT going to be serviceable)

-Remove POPPET valve, run engine on earmuff-style flush attachment for 30-60 seconds WITH POPPET REMOVED to assist in flushing out sand.

-Replace poppet valve components as needed/required.

-Run under normal conditions- CAREULLY monitor that telltale stream is clear and present. Monitor temps CAREFULLY for next couple of runs.

[WMLU]

Don thanks for the information I will do as directed.What can you tell me about the smartcraft gauge that would fit in my speedometer hole,the one that costs about 600.00. Can I install this myself?Do you sell?

[EuropeanAM]

That would be a MercMonitor... it fits in a 3-3/8" opening.

More information on them is available here:

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerot...re-in

95% of the units we've sold were "user installed". I'm always happy to provide guidance/assistance as needed.

Should you have more specific questions, feel free to drop me an email.