got the 21 pitch prop on there get's up to 4K RPM no problem, a bit of trim and
I'm at 4200-4400 at WOT -- looks like that's dialed in.

However, After running around for about 2 hours -- I came to something in the
water, so I came to a stop -- the engine sputtered & died Much like an engine
that got too hot. The temp guage never went above 150 -- which does not mean it
didn't go above 150.

I started the engine; and again; it acted like it was hot -- it turned over slow
& then started. I noticed Steam in the back off the water. (that can't be
good)

I pulled the "out" pipe off the engine water pump and turned the engine over
(w/o the coil being hot) and water came out no problefm -- so it's getting
water.

Question is:
Where should I start to look for problems?

Stuck closed thermostat?
water pump in the outdrive (if so -- is it an impeller? And where is it?)

Thanks to all.
-josh

(mercruiser alpha gen I engine/outdrive)

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You could have a leak in the exhaust manifold allowing water to enter the
exhaust gases early. How old are the manifolds and risers? Mine are seven years
old and one of the risers gave me a problem today. They will be replaced within
the next two weeks.

Damn john! You da man!

I'm gonna go with 14 years.

Where should I look for a leak in the manifolds? or just "the manifold gasket"
? I'm going off island on tuesday -- so I'd love to pick up any parts needed
for thsi project then.

Thanks John!

-josh


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On Fri, 03 Sep 2004 17:03:30 -0700, Josh Assing
wrote:

got the 21 pitch prop on there get's up to 4K RPM no problem, a bit of trim and
I'm at 4200-4400 at WOT -- looks like that's dialed in.

However, After running around for about 2 hours -- I came to something in the
water, so I came to a stop -- the engine sputtered & died Much like an engine
that got too hot. The temp guage never went above 150 -- which does not mean it
didn't go above 150.

I started the engine; and again; it acted like it was hot -- it turned over slow
& then started. I noticed Steam in the back off the water. (that can't be
good)

I pulled the "out" pipe off the engine water pump and turned the engine over
(w/o the coil being hot) and water came out no problefm -- so it's getting
water.

Question is:
Where should I start to look for problems?

Stuck closed thermostat?
water pump in the outdrive (if so -- is it an impeller? And where is it?)

Thanks to all.
-josh

(mercruiser alpha gen I engine/outdrive)

That outdrive has a inlet screen and it may be starting to clog up.
Lift the drive up and check the screens. Check with a mechanic to see
exactly where the screen and filter is located. If I remember
correctly, it's located very near the gear housing.

Later,

Tom

The manifolds and risers are double walled. They can crack or rust through, and
then you've got a leak. If yours are 14 years old, they're due for replacing.
I've heard 10 years is good, if in fresh water!

well; I know htis has been in salt & fresh water; mostly salt.

ok; well; I guess I"ll pull them and look at them.

Thanks for the info.
-josh

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That outdrive has a inlet screen and it may be starting to clog up.
Lift the drive up and check the screens. Check with a mechanic to see
exactly where the screen and filter is located. If I remember
correctly, it's located very near the gear housing.

The screen isn't blocked -- already checked that -- water's getting up to the
block --- becuase I disconnected the coil; and pulled one of the houses off
(that lead to the power stearing fluid heat exchanger) and turned the engine
over -- water was tossed out pretty well...

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Today's results....

Engine is NOT overheating -- checked it with an infrared temp reader..
However, timing was off - at 12 instead of 8btdc -- I adjusted that.

It runs way better. However still dies when coming off the throttle.

Idle is set at 800 rpm (by using a reliable tach)

I had planned to replace the plugs,cap, wires & rotor tuesday. could these
cause a problem like this? THe cap definately needs replacement -- has large
chunks of crud on the contacts.

However, it kinda acts like a fuel issue... becuase once it dies, 80% of the
time, it needs to be cranked over a few times before it starts; the other 20% it
starts right away.

could it be a fuel pump or float issue? Or carb adjustment?


1990 GM based MerCruiser 5.0L engine:

so today's Q's:
1) what's a good starting point for the two barrel carb adustment?
2) i looked at the thermostat -- it really wasn't there "whole" - so I took it
out; however it kinda fell out -- it looks like there's a sleeve holding it down
-- how do you remove that sleeve?


On this image:

http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/PXI...596/21_500.gif

THe sleeve is #10

The carb looks like this:
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/PXI...596/16_500.gif
(they don't seem to offer a rebuild kit...)



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