Temp alarm while flushing engine

[Jilah]

After spending the weekend in the salt water I was flushing my 1998 Yamaha 150 with fresh water at the house when the temperature alarm went off. I had been running the engine for maybe 5 minutes when it went off and I shut it down just after the alarm when off then I checked the stream of water coming out of the engine and it was hot – not hot enough to burn my hand but hot enough to be uncomfortable. Took the cover off and checked the engine and it was hot but not uncomfortable to the touch. <br /><br />The muffs I was using are an older set that were given to me and they only have water coming out of one side. On my engine there is a water intake on each side so I am wondering if I need a different set of muffs? I have flushed it before with these muffs without the alarm going off but this was the longest I have let it run with the muffs on and it was pretty fresh off the water so the engine may have still had some heat built up from being run all day. Would a better set of muffs allow me to flush it longer? Could I have done any damage to the engine by having the alarm go off?

 

[Lasse Lehtonen]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

I think you propably need better muffs, if it is cooling normally when in water the problem is in the muffs, and I wont use them. I Think there is no damage done by this short period of overheating. When you get it in the water check that the "pee stream" is normal and there is no steam coming out with water. Also check that you reach WOT rpm if you have a tach.

 

[bernieb]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

When was the last time the waterpump impeller was changed out ? How about the Poppit valve for cleaning ? Or even the thermostat ? could be some early signs here. Go to yamaha's web site for on line parts catalog listing.

 

[skiwake130]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

I get the same problem on my 130 if the water pressure is not at a good flow. Make sure your tap is near to full on. I also use the muffs that has the water entry on one side which shouldn't be a problem.<br /><br />David

 

[John from Madison CT]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

Big block Yamaha's require lots of cooling water and those single feed water muffs, combined with insufficient water pressure probably are the reason for your overheat situation.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

I read somewhere that any outboard over ~75 hp should use the 2 sided muffs. That would be the first step. Check to see if your engine has an additional high water pickup that needs to be taped off when on the muffs. I know some of the Suzukis did.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

i have yet to see a set of 2 sided muffs that make any difference. likely your hose pressure just dropped off.<br />infact all the 2 sided muffs i have seen are good for throwing at blow boat owners, thats it.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

Benc why are 2 sided muffs any better than 1 sided muffs for taking out your bad attitude on sail boaters?

 

[TONY H]

Re: Temp alarm while flushing engine

NO answer here but I've been using the Single sided Muffs on My '87 175 Yammy since it was new. I flush after every outing. Never had a problem. <br />I can only guess that your water pressure wasn't up high enough, Hose was kinked and you didn't see it. Something like that. Did both thermostat housings feel about the same temperature?