50 houseboat question...

[mrmelrod]

I have a 2001 65 hp bigfoot on a 50 ft houseboat. It runs great, but if I put it into reverese and run it up (2800 rpm max) for a few minutes, the overheat horn sounds.......I let it cool for 30 minutes or so and its fine. It has a new thermostat and impeller.....wordering what eles to check. Thanks for the help!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 50 houseboat question...

Why are you running in reverse that long? The water pickup ports on the engine take advantage of a forward moving engine. Running high RPM in reverse has the opposite effect and is starving the engine of water. Continuing to overheat the engine is a good way to destroy it. Don't do that any more. 65 HP on a 50 footer eh? You're either not in a hurry to get anywhere or else you like beating up on a defenseless motor. Just kidding.. 60 HP engines are popular on 20 - 24 foot pontoons in my area of the country.