andy passero

After about a half hour of driving, the helm gets so hot that you cannot touch it. Is this normal? If not, what could the problem be.

Falcon

Keep in mind that 140 deg F is too hot to hold your hand on. It can run fine at 200 deg, but it's a good idea to get the temp down because the lines can be in places that temps like that could hurt something (or someone). If it didn't run that warm before, I would check your cooler and also the filter, if there is one. The later model Merc Racing motors went to a more effective ps cooler, if that helps.