Mercruiser 898 overheated

[meat76head]

Hi All-<br /><br />This weekend my Merc 898 (1978) 305 overheated on the lake. Right now it tries to turn itself over anytime I turn the battery switch on. Even without the key in the ignition.<br /><br />What should I be looking for and/or checking before I take her back out on the water?<br /><br />BTW: I was meaning to put a new thermostat in it before I went out this weekend, but decided to "chance it". Will never do that again with a boat.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Mercruiser 898 overheated

Firtst thing I would do is look for that shorted wire that is trying to start the motor, then figure out why the boat overheated. <br />BTW Welcome to iboats!!!

 

[meat76head]

Re: Mercruiser 898 overheated

Right-o vipzach... most likely melted a few things, it was smoking good (or bad?).<br /><br />I take it that the engine trying to turn over though is a good thing, right? Says it's not seized. Once I find my short and/or any other wires that are melted, should I change the oil to check for water before I try to start it up?<br /><br />What other things should I check before trying to get it going again?<br /><br />I believe the overheat was caused by either a malfunctioning or clogged thermostat which is why I had already bought a new one (and decided to "chance" it without putting it in and making sure the problem was gone). My mechanic friend and I already had the risers off and cleaned out last week. The impeller was definately picking up water.