2003 Sundancer 5.0 overheat question

[J-Rod]

I have 320 hours on both engines and this is my 2nd year with the boat. Just replaced both sets of Bellows along with both impellers that were in great shape during regular maintenance and planned on changing the complete exhaust system and converting to FWC next year. Last year both engines ran consistently at 170 degrees but this year the port engine runs fine 170 at idle and at lower revs up to 2200 RPM's. When opening it up, the port engine starts to climb to 200 until the alarm sounds. Shutting it down and running at lower rev's, cools it down. I changed the Thermostat with no change. Could there be a problem with the inlet through the Bravo 3 hose since the drive was off? I had an older boat from 95 that developed Bravoitis resulting in a change to a thru-hull pickup but don't feel this is the cause (Yet). I am going to pull the risers (Dry Joint) to inspect and was told this can be done in the water?

 

[jason78]

I think you may in fact be dealing with a water restriction problem. It has been well documented here. The water inlet develops corrosion and growth and slowly closes.

If you can find someone with Dynacom or Mercury software you can monitor the RAW Water PSI and verify if that is the issue. (assuming you don't have Smartcraft gauges since they were not factory in 2003)

Also, when you changed your impellers, did you notice any bad grooves in the pump housing or cover? This has been known to cause reduction in water PSI as well.