Overheat alarm went off

[Plasma George]

120HP, 1992, pulled away from the dock and the alarm went off. I had 2 streams of water coming out of little ports on the back of the engine. I circled around and shut it off. After 5-10 minutes, I started it again, no more alarm.

I talked to the owner of the marina, he explained the thermostat may have been stuck, and it freed after running for some time. I tapped on the thermostat (At least what I thought was the thermostat with a screwdriver, at the top of the engine).

Do I need a new thermostat ?
Where do I get one ?
Can I do the repair ?

The next day was the only other time I've been out with it, and the alarm never went off.

PS, This was all at the shore house in salt water, the outing before the alarm went off was fresh water.

Thanks guys.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Overheat alarm went off

It may be the thermosstat but when is the last time you replaced the impeller?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Overheat alarm went off

Over heating on launch is common of a thermostat sticking or just failing to open.

Thermostat is easy to do if the screws come out easy. Otherwise, be prepaired fro broken screws, drilling out the old ones and tapping new threads. Lots of posts about thermostats and covers in the forum just do a search.

Could be a worn impeller. I just replaced mine, its not hard at all if you are a little mechanically inclined.

 

[Plasma George]

Re: Overheat alarm went off

I can change the thermostat, just need to find where it is on my engine and where to buy one, and a gasket.

I followed the Iboats parts lookup for Force, 1992 and 120hp. It lists thermostats for all years but not mine.
hp.....year..............................model.................p/n
120 1991D-1992C& 1993, 1994 E000001-E093699 - -

Do I not have a thermostat ?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Overheat alarm went off

I can change the thermostat, just need to find where it is on my engine and where to buy one, and a gasket.

I followed the Iboats parts lookup for Force, 1992 and 120hp. It lists thermostats for all years but not mine.
hp.....year..............................model.................p/n
120 1991D-1992C& 1993, 1994 E000001-E093699 - -

Do I not have a thermostat ?

Not much help on the 120hp models. I think its a Merc engine by the 1990's.