I have a 2011 4.3 TKS with an Alpha One Gen II drive. This issue has been around since part way through last season. I was having a problem with the port riser getting hot. On the muffs in the driveway barely any water coming out the port side exhaust. Starboard just fine and a cool starboard riser too. First thing I did was replace the impeller. When I opened it up, the impeller, housing and gaskets looked perfect. Replaced with a new impeller kit anyway even though it probably only had 20 hours on it. Reinstall the lower and fire it up and I have the exact same hot condition on the port riser.
I had kind of suspected the check balls above the thermostat last season so at that time I replaced them (whole kit including springs, rod, balls, etc.). The condition went away for a short time then returned.
So after replacing the impeller and still having the same issue I opened up the check balls. Everything looks fine. Balls not worn, don't seem to be getting stuck etc. Just for the heck of it I removed the rod and balls and reversed them so the nut is on the left side instead of the original right side. Replace hoses, fire it up and guess what - both riser running cold. Nice cool water with a good flow running out of both sides.
I feel like this condition will happen again probably sooner than later. Any ideas what the next steps should be? I thinking I need to clean the T pipe (above the thermostat). Perhaps the balls aren't seating correctly and get stuck. The T pipe appears to be brass so I'm not sure how to clean that up without affecting how the balls seat. Also, does anyone know how far the nut should be tightened down on the check ball rod? I can't seem to find it in the service manual.
thanks,
Brad
I had kind of suspected the check balls above the thermostat last season so at that time I replaced them (whole kit including springs, rod, balls, etc.). The condition went away for a short time then returned.
So after replacing the impeller and still having the same issue I opened up the check balls. Everything looks fine. Balls not worn, don't seem to be getting stuck etc. Just for the heck of it I removed the rod and balls and reversed them so the nut is on the left side instead of the original right side. Replace hoses, fire it up and guess what - both riser running cold. Nice cool water with a good flow running out of both sides.
I feel like this condition will happen again probably sooner than later. Any ideas what the next steps should be? I thinking I need to clean the T pipe (above the thermostat). Perhaps the balls aren't seating correctly and get stuck. The T pipe appears to be brass so I'm not sure how to clean that up without affecting how the balls seat. Also, does anyone know how far the nut should be tightened down on the check ball rod? I can't seem to find it in the service manual.
thanks,
Brad
