I/O running temperature

B

bombay

New member
I recently bought a 1982 V20, my first boat. It has a 170 hp Merc. that seems to run great. I notice that the temp. jumps to about 180 pretty quick then stays at about 200-210. Is this a normal temp or a little warm. I plan on changing the water pump as I don't know when the last one was put in, but am leary of running too hot in the mean time
 
Had the same deal - got towed in. The water pumps (impellers)are only good so long. The parts kit, which includes the housing, on mine were $55. Labor extra and involves taking off the out drive (it's inside). Good to go now - Might put in a new thermostat for cheap while your at it.
 
Mine runs cooler than that also, about 160 or 180, I forget the no. on the thermostat. I was told tho that if you keep it cool it helps cut down on the salt build-up. I would suspect something because I doubt you have a thermo rated that high.
 
MY V-20 ORIGINALLY HAD A 470 MERCRUISER (170 HP.)
THAT USUALLY RUNNED VERY HOT, SINCE THAT ENGINE IS FRESH WATER COOLED. NOW CHANGING THE IMPELLER IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA WETHER YOU USE THE BOAT OR NOT.

IF THAT IS THE ENGINE YOU HAVE (470 MERC. 170 HP
4 CYL.) MY ADVISE IS GET RID OF IT AND REPLACE IT IF YOU CAN WITH A 4.3 MERC. SAME OUTDRIVE RATIO
SAME HP (175 HP AT PROP.) I DID IT AND IS A GREAT ENGINE, VERY,VERY,VERY ECONOMICAL.

THE 470 IS A GOOD ENGINE, BUT BEING A 4 CYL. WITH BIG (5.250") PISTOS IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TIME IT SPECIALLY WHEN OLD, AND THE PARTS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET BECAUSE IS A MIXTURE OF DIFFERENT ENGINES, PISTONS ARE FORD, VALVES ARE GM, PAIN IN THE NECK.

LESTERUS
 
Owners manual on my 5.7 Mercruiser says 160 degrees. I was running hotter and had a new thermostat (i think 140 degrees) put in and a couple barnacles in the intake cleared. runs perfect now. I was running +200 prior to the fix and that's too hot for my engine.
 
Hey 76GMC1500,

Why do you want the engine to run on the hot side? Curious as to the mechanics behind that. Thanks
 
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