skiierjeff
New Member
Hi:
I'm working to get my recently purchased 1977 Mercruiser ready for next season. I've never launched it.
Engine is original raw water cooled MCM 260. It spent most of its ife in fresh water.
I just replaced the manifolds (date marked 1982), riser elbows and thermostat. All new gaskets. No signs of any leaks. The stern drive is off, so I stuck a hose directly into the water inlet in the bell housing for testing.
At fast idle (1000-1200 RPM) the temp guage steadily rises to just below the red line. The manifolds and risers are both too hot to keep my hand on them. I can't feel coolant running through the rubber hoses (should I?). Some hoses are pretty hot, others coming out of the t-stat cover are only slightly warm.
It looks like lots of water exits the transom.
Do you think I have a problem or will it run cooler once its running for real out on the water?
Thanks if you can help.
Jeff
I'm working to get my recently purchased 1977 Mercruiser ready for next season. I've never launched it.
Engine is original raw water cooled MCM 260. It spent most of its ife in fresh water.
I just replaced the manifolds (date marked 1982), riser elbows and thermostat. All new gaskets. No signs of any leaks. The stern drive is off, so I stuck a hose directly into the water inlet in the bell housing for testing.
At fast idle (1000-1200 RPM) the temp guage steadily rises to just below the red line. The manifolds and risers are both too hot to keep my hand on them. I can't feel coolant running through the rubber hoses (should I?). Some hoses are pretty hot, others coming out of the t-stat cover are only slightly warm.
It looks like lots of water exits the transom.
Do you think I have a problem or will it run cooler once its running for real out on the water?
Thanks if you can help.
Jeff