AQ125A Running Hot

Blackpony

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
39
I recently discovered something others may not have and would find helpful. After several days of skiing, our VP AQ125A started showing temp increases regardless of rpm & load -- came up to about 200-210 - which has never happened in the 25 years we've had the boat. The engine normally comes up to 180 and pretty much stays there, with minor increase / lower as thermostat closes/opens (190) Upon inspection of the circulating coolant in the expansion tank, it did not appear particularly low, but it was below both the small holes on the side of the filler tube so I started adding water. Surprisingly, as I added water, it disappeared into the top hole and in all took the better part of a quart to fill to between holes (which are very close, one above the other). After doing this, the engine returned to running at 180 the rest of the week - no more heating issues. A "pro" will probably say, "well, duh" to this, but it seemed like such a minor amount of add to the coolant to have such a dramatic effect that I thought others might also miss it and find this helpful.
 

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: AQ125A Running Hot

I am not a pro but that amount is a lot in my view, so I am not surprised it made that much difference. If your car got that low the temp gauge would not be in the normal range either I bet!

I also think you have more discovery ahead as you work out where the coolant went to, it should not be that low ever, even over long periods of use or nonuse.

Sounds like you are lucky and have no other problems from that incident, but check it each time before you go out to see if the level is dropping.
 

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: AQ125A Running Hot

Also, now that you gave added water and not antifreeze be sure the mix is still 50/50 so you will not have freezing problems during winter layup.
 

Blackpony

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
39
Re: AQ125A Running Hot

Thanks for the thoughtful response/comments. Yes, the boat was "in dry dock" storage for nearly five years before we took it out and began using again this season. I looked at the coolant when I changed the pressure cap and it did not appear especially low and during the time of initial use this season it did not change as far as I could tell. The manual (once I re-read it carefully) says the collant level should be between the two marks (which are actually small holes (about 3/16)). As for where the missing coolant went, I can only assume there was some evaporation over time when the old pressure cap probably had a less-than-perfect-seal due to drying during the extended layup. The boat is an '85 that we purchased new but have used only very little over the years and thus has had only routine maintenance (oil change, impeller change, bellows change, etc.) and I honestly do not remember ever adding collant before now. In the current use, after adding the little amount of water, we ran it for sevreal more days of skiing while houseboating and the collant level never changed. I'll keep an eye on it and see if it changes at all. Thanks gain!
 

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: AQ125A Running Hot

That scenario makes more sense. So now you know what to do...USE IT MORE!!!!!!! :)
 

Blackpony

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
39
Re: AQ125A Running Hot

We plan to do just that! Thanks again for the info and perspective! :)

This is a great example of why this forum is such a tremendous resource. Many, many thanks to all who participate and are willing to share their experience, knowledge, and wisdom!
 
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