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.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Overheat alarm went off

If you don't know when the thermostat was last changed, its probably time to change it.

That goes for the impeller too.

If things are working ok for now, you can probably wait till fall when you winterize and change the gearcase lube.

 

[john from md]

Re: Overheat alarm went off

If your impeller hasn't been changed in the last three years, change it and your thermostat before you cook your engine. Total cost for those parts is around $50 which is cheap insurance.

John