Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

[Fishing56]

Hi all,
Have been browsing the forums for several weeks. Thanks for all who contribute to such a great and informative site.

My question is whether or not I have a problem. Here is the situation. I purchased my Mariah 180 new in 1996 with the 4.3lx package. It has always been stored in the garage, has 365 total hours on it. I change oil regurly. Most of time it is used on small lake, so not much WOT. Have used it to pull skiers and tubes etc.

The temp gauge, after warm up stays right at 170 no matter whether idling or at full speed. The thing is, I have never yet replaced the impeller in the drive unit. Motor runs perfectly. Sometimes diesels a little bit, but heard this was common with the carburated models.

So, I should probably replace the impeller, just due to the age, now almost 14 years. Have I been lucky or is the 170 temp actually too high. I think thats where it always has been.

Your comments will be appreciated. By the way, have not had engine alignment done in over 12 years. Go ahead and beat me up.

Fishing56

 

[Don S]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

You are very lucky, on a lot of counts.

Time to start doing some long overdue maintenance. Impeller, bellows, alignments (if you have any splines left in the coupler) probably never been greased.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

You've not only been lucky, you've been extremely lucky.

It's just good sense to replace the impeller at least every other season, or every season if you put more that 50 hours on it or you are boating in extreme conditions like salt water.

Your temp is fine, but you're boating on borrowed time.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

Welcome to iboats, by the way!

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

ok, thanks for all the quick responses. I have overhauled several RV engines, so am not scared to do the work. Firt boat was a 90hp outboard Merc. Replaced the impeller twice in 18 years of ownership.

Why is the temp ok if I have not replaced the impeller?

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

Also, motor has no vibration and sounds very quiet at all speeds. That is why I have not been concerned with aligment. Please all, enlighten me.

Fishing56

 

[12vMan]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

The answer is simple. When the conditions are just right an impeller can last for years, and yours is proof of that. You've never had a piece of plastic get stuck on the intake, sucked up dirt, mud or sand, or many other things that could have happened that apparently didn't. Impellers are only rubber, and they get hard and brittle over time. It's the unknown that will give you trouble, and why take a chance getting stranded out on a lake somewhere when you can do 20 min of maintenance for less than $30. Cheap insurance!

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

Thanks everyone,
Like everyone else on here, I LOVE my boat and want to take care of HER!

Fishing56

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

Ok, Trying to close this tread.
Took of the lower unit of my mercruiser 4.3lx with apha 1 drive. Obviously it was over due for maintenance. Read all the manuals (thanks guys), lowered unit not problems. Went and got new impeller and gaskets, plus lower end oil as this has not been changed in 14 years either.

Please take a look at the condition of the impeller and impeller base. Does this look like a 14 year old unit? Could it be that this is because of constant garage storage? Merc advisor said you could go 5 years between changes?

I know what the service manual says on intervals. So can some of us benefit from some prevental Matenaince? Or is temperature a big factor?

 

[achris]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

Firstly, the impellers in the Gen II drives is VERY different to the Gen I. It's a floppy vane pump and is far more forgiving of abuse (and not changing it for 14 years IS abuse!). I had one in my first V6 for 7 years, but I did check it every other year, and I was aware of where I was running the boat... (No sand!)

Leaving the oil in there for 14 years is far more than abuse, it's boarding on criminally negligent! 3 years MAXIMUM for the oil, and make sure you use the Merc High Performance stuff.

Not checking the alignment for that long??? That's go to boating jail, that is!!!....



Chris.........

 

[180shabah]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

I LOVE my boat and want to take care of HER!

better late than never... did she threaten to leave you for someone who would treat her right, bring her flowers and maybe take her to dinner once in a while.

Please tell me your not still wearing the same underwear from 1996????

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

better late than never... did she threaten to leave you for someone who would treat her right, bring her flowers and maybe take her to dinner once in a while.

Please tell me your not still wearing the same underwear from 1996????

My wifey got a kick out of your comments. Thanks. By the way, my boat is a 180 shabah! How weird is that?

Fishing56

 

[180shabah]

Re: Normal operating temps for 4.3lx

Mine is a '96 also. We bought it almost brand new a few years ago. It got caught up in an estate settlement and was warehouse stored for nearly 8 years.

Fast, fun little boat, but it may soon be time for something larger