Running Temp of 7.4L? (at idle)

[Sea~Lah]

Started my dancer for the first time, this year. (purchased last fall)
She sounded great!

The engine was pretty hot to touch though, not sure if that was normal. I did have muffs on, and water was flowing freely through the engine.
The engine temp read a constant 180 degrees, once she warmed up.

Just wondering if that was a normal temp that she should be running at?:huh:

 

[Quint4]

My 7.4 runs about 160-165. I would change your impeller and see what you get.

 

[mwph]

170 for me..........................................As long as the belt stays on!@#$%^&*()

 

[Sea~Lah]

I have a new impeller, installed a month ago.

My 7.4 runs about 160-165. I would change your impeller and see what you get.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Mine run around 140-145

 

[CV-23]

My 1990 454 Bravo1 runs hotter on the hose than in the water. Mine holds at 165 at all speeds but I'm going back to the 145 thermostat. That's the temp Merc calls for my serial number. The previous owner may have requested a 165? My hot water may not be as hot but that's ok with me, Mike.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

165 idle, 170 underway for mine.
Fresh water cooled 7.4's.

 

[mysticowner]

165 idle 170 tops under way. 92 7.4 Bravo 2

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I'd say she's just not happy about running on the hard. Splash her and see what the temp is for real!

 

[4sure]

I run a constant 170 cruising.

 

[rondds]

Mine calls for a 143 degree thermostat and that's what they run at at idle. At cruise 165-170. I believe FWC run slightly hotter (by design) than RWC.

 

[boatrboy]

Mine is MPI and RWC -thermostat is 160 by merc - My gauge reads 170+ (say 175) all the time, idle, cruising doesn't matter.

Mark

 

[Russ Calasant]

Mine run 160 all the time

 

[Sea~Lah]

Just an update on Temperature question.
I called the Mercruiser company. The temp of 180 degrees is ok. Especially with muffs on. They expect my temp to lowerslightly once I'm on the water. But if it stays at 180, there is no concern.
thank you for all the replies!

 

[JoRay]

Mine ran a pretty constant 160 even at idle and now has dropped to 145. I recently replaced the oil cooler attached to the RW intake hose and noticed that over the years it had accumulated some debris / seaweed that was restricting the water passages.