Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

[dogboy8]

Well I sucked up a bunch of soft mud, and lost water circulation. Unfortunately the overheat alarm did not sound, and while cruising at about 3000 rpm the motor faltered and died. I looked around and noted smoke coming from under the cowling (1989 Force/US Marine 125)Got a tow in and the mech at the marina suggested putting it on the muffs to see if it would start. At first it did not want to start, but after a few tries it fired up. No water from the pee hole so I shut it down and put the boat up. I don't want to put a lot of money into this motor, so I'm wondering where to start in accessing the damage done. Any responses are greatly appreciated. Greg

 

[Sal G]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

Make sure your your tell tale water outlet (Pee hole) is not plugged up. Use a thin piece of wire<br />(paper clip or something similar and try to dislodge any debris from the tube. Check your intakes on the lower unit to make sure there are no obstructions.Water not coming out of your telltale is not a good sign,but it doesn't exactly mean your water pump isn't working. I've run into the same problem but never has my engine smoked as you describe. Let me know how you make out.

 

[revertmastec]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

First do a compression check that will tell alot. If compression is good change impeller and try to start. I always have problems with muffs never seem to seal on a force i would put the lower unit in a tub full of water so that the level is above the water pump and try and run it that way.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

The compression test is a great idea, to see if the motor is healthy enough to bother with the cooling system. If the numbers are OK, go for it. When you drop the LU to change the impeller, make sure your water tube is clear of mud. Good luck!

 

[cinder1995]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

I have a 120 Force. The muffs don't seal good enough to shoot water out the pisser either. So that doens't mean your impeller is shot. If you do take the lower unit off to replace the impeller. Poor water into the pisser. That should rinse out any mudd it may have stuck in it.

 

[93bronco]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

just a question- isnt there a way to back flush the system???<br />like removing the t-stat and running water threw it.

 

[sqstultz]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

This same problem happened to me yesterday, and I too am wondering if it's worth proceeding. I have not been able to get my motor to start again, and I am wondering, before I start looking to fix the water circulation problem, approx. what compression numbers should I have on each cylinder? Does anyone have a ball-park reading for me? This is a Sea King and no manual is available. Thanks...

 

[james1]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

Your problem sounds like what we call a "heat seize." I have had the same problem a few times and the news is not good unless you are going to do the work on the motor yourself and use secondhand parts.Everytime I had a "heat seize" we had damage to at least 1 piston and the last time we replaced the bearings as well. These things r pricey here in South Africa & I'm sure they r not too cheap there either.<br /><br />Good luck!!!!

 

[dogboy8]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

Thanks for the responses. Just tried to check compression with a borrowed gauge (a press in type)And I think I'm between 135-140 psi in all cylinders (cold). I'm thinking I may need to buy a decent compression gauge to get some more accurate numbers. Any suggestions on a resonably priced one?? Also there is a little bit of sort of a light colored crusty material around the perimeter of the head where it meets the block. This has been there for quite some time,could be leaking??? Also do you think it would be prudent to change the head gasket since the motor got so hot?? Thanks a million

 

[myles carey]

Re: Outboard overheated, did I fry it???

I did that to my 140 rude. it distorted an exahaust deflecter.it ran poor.i fixed it. otherwise no problem . headgaskets should be replaced yearly they are cheap.