I have a merc 170 that runs good when first started but after it heats up and it seems the engine gets extremely hot (is that normal) you can only place your hand on it for a few seconds after 20+ minutes driving and at this point I try to idle wether in gear or neutral it dies. I owned it a few years and this seems has been a maybe been a reoccuring problem but have sat long enough that it starts up and off I go. I have not really noticed it as much in past. about my gauges the temp gauge says about 160 degrees when this happens and the tach says I am idling about 800. I know neither of these may be right but may help one of you bright guys help troubleshoot. Now I have not but in process of changing points and setting dwell and timing but have not started yet. I know it is alittle off due to backfiring, but I dont think that is the main problem. I am thinking about two areas the impeller in lower which I have not changed for a few years or the idle is set to low it sounds like the idle is extremely low but the gauge reads as I noted above. I am pretty sure it is not the shift interupt switch. any ideas.... think i am headed in right direction. I have never done an impeller and was thinking of trying it but my father in law heard it is a nightmare. any input like how hard and how long and what I should make sure I need to do if I try it would also be appreciated thanks alot guys!!!
