had an odd issue with starboard motor this past weekend. It would overheat at idle and cool down during cruise/WOT. Anyone ever have this issue? Where should I start?

some things I have ruled out by logic, let me know if you agree/dis-agree. Don’t think it’s a blockage because at cruise/wot the water pressure would spike and I would think flow go down and overheat. By that same logic I have kinda ruled out t stat.

Im thinking it’s an impeller issue or leak maybe in strainer cover pulling in air? The flow difference is noticeable when compared to port motor at idle.

Impeller is worn or housing. Not drawing enough when idle, when cruising water is being forced in and it will cool. Sometimes the slightest scratching or wear in the housing will cause 5-10 psi difference. Just my opinion. Should be easy fix. Buy kit and install. 1/2 hour job tops. Soap the impeller when installing

appreciate the feedback. Already have the kit on order. Will start there and report back.

good call, I installed a brand new housing recently, it had a hairline crack in the boss cavity the way it was manufactured. Leaked and threw water all over the place when spinning faster then idle....lol. Good to have spares.

Pulled apart the pump. Everything looked good. We replaced it anyways. Haven’t had the chance to dunk it back in. We did notice that there are significant cracks in the sea strainer lid. See picture. Wondering if that could lead to pulling in air. Ordered a new lid already.

Attached

Was gonna try that tomorrow. If you’ve followed my saga I’m sick of this boat. Still dealing with a leak after pulling the engine 3 times. I’m out of ideas. That’s a whole other mess. Will keep this thread updated with findings. Thanks

Replaced lid but don’t think that was the issue. Did a back flush using fresh water pick up. Think the was some sh!t caught in the system. Went for a test run. All is good in the world of overheating. Thanks.

Yea that’s what I am thinking. there were some bits of wood in the sea strainer. Guessing we hit a branch and some of it was stuck upstream of the strainer. Back flushing seemingly worked. Atleast for now. On to solve the water leak issue.