225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

[gary91]

I have a 1994 225 Ocean Runner on a 94 bristol Hydra Sports hull that was purchased in March of this year. The engine had a powerhead rebuild at Gator Marine in Florida in January before I purchased the boat. I broke the motor in properly and have run it several times offshore with no problems. On Saturday, 46 miles offshore, steady warning horn came on indicating an overheat situation. I shut motor down right away and removed engine cowling. I could place my hand on the port head for a couple seconds, starboard seemed a little hotter. Had good pee stream since I have owned it and appeared to be the same. Had to idle back into port at 5 knots to keep horn from coming on. That was as fast as we could travel. Got to friends house and removed thermostat on hotter starboard side and horn still came on. Seemed to also notice that water pressure seemed lower that on previous trips. Now around 10-12 psi. Should I start with a water pump kit and thermostats and see if that eliminates my problem first? BTW, on the powerhead rebuild ticket, I see no parts that would suggest a new water pump was put on motor at that time. Any other ideas? Also, any sites that I can find water pump replacement directions at? Many thanks...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

If your water pressure was down to 10-12 lbs on this trip and was much higher before (should have been around 25), yes I'd start with the water pump. Make sure to get the correct kit. I'd strongly recommend an OE kit.<br /><br />Now, was the pressure at 10-12 before or after you removed the thermostat?<br /><br />When the horn first sounded and you pulled back on the throttle, did the horn quit right away? Or did you have to shut the motor off and keep checking it by turning the key on?

 

[gary91]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

Pressure was at 10-12 before thermo was removed. When I first pulled back throttle after horn sounded we messed around checking things out for 15 minutes or so before we fired motor back up again. After 2 minutes at planing speed, the hron came back on. We fished for a couple hours and decided to head back in and we could only make 4 knots at 1000-1100 RPM or horn would sound.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

What was the pressure on previous trips?

 

[gary91]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

It seems like it was around 20 or so. Can recall with an exact number. Sorry

 

[gary91]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

I just posted to you again on the post directed to you at 6:05 pm. thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

A steady horn indicates one of two things. The motor is hot or there is a fuel restriction.<br /><br />Since we don't know how old the pump is for sure, I'd start there. Always a good idea on a new-to-me motor.<br /><br />If the motor is/was hot, the horn will continue to sound even after you shut it off, it sits for a moment and you turn the key back "On". It takes a while for it to cool to the point that it shuts the horn off by itself.<br /><br />If its a fuel restriction warning, the horn usually quits as soon as you reduce the rpms.<br /><br />Look and see where your pressure gauge is reading from. The hose should be connected to the plate the powerhead sits on. Not Teed into another hose.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

Does your horn beep once when you turn the key on? (self test mode)

 

[gary91]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

You have me thinking it may be a fuel restriction but I wi ll go ahead and replace water pump for insurance and see what happens.<br /><br />Two questions:<br />1) If it looks like I may have a fuel restriction prob, where do I start?<br />2) I also have a short 'chirp' every 30 seconds to a minute at idle in neutral.<br /><br />Any guesses? If you have a Pay Pal account, I'll shoot you a few sheckles over for a beer on me !

 

[gary91]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

Yes. i think horn does beep once when key in turned on.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

I think thats a good plan. replace the pump kit and go from there. Make sure we're reading water pressure from that adaptor plate too. <br /><br />After the water pump is in I would suggest having a tech run the pressure and vacuume tests. <br /><br />A fuel restriction can come from anywhere. A kinked hose, a plugged filter, a tie wrap around the fuel hose, a bad anti-siphon valve, a clogged vent and on and on.<br /><br />I appreciate the offer of a beer. Maybe we'll get together on day out on the water. Who knows?<br /><br />BTW -- which Gator Marine (what town)?

 

[gary91]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

Gator Creek in Punta Gorda.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

I had lunch with those guys today.<br /><br />I'm sure they would have put a pump in if they did the complete job. Or did they just do the powerhead for someone else?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner Overheating?

(Guess I shouldnt have admitted to knowing those guys! or having lunch?)