Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

[HOLYSMOKES]

Im very new to this boat. I have a 1986 Thompson 24 foot with the mercrusier 190 motor. ( I know, I know...its a problem child...just found that out...lol) The issue is this "turn key and ready for water" boat ment dont run it for over half an hour. It will overheat. I checked the water pump, it was fine, wasnt molded or anything.I moved on to the thermostat, for 18 bucks...replaced it. Checked the old one and it was stuck shut.
Took it for sea trial number two last night, and it was MUCH improved. However, when I went to practice docking, it died and the temp guage went to 240*. So naturally I let it cool down for a few minutes. The gauge read 160 when TRIED to start it.Now, I believe the charging system is SCREWED and am going to do the alternator kit ( $1300) Can these issues all be related? This has the water cooled voltage regulator ($750 part and labor) Was taking the boat tomorrow on vacation but Im not going to take a boat I cant trust. Any help I would be extremely grateful. Thank you

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

Welcome aboard! Don't pay that kind of money for the conversion kit, that's crazy!
breezeworks.net has one for under $300.00, bolt in with instructions! Thats a site and forum dedicated to the 470 engine.

The impeller is the first thing to tackle in a overheat. It takes only like 30 seconds for someone to run the engine without water feeding the drive via muffs and the impeller is toast.

Does your exchanger's diameter measure 3" or 4". The 3" sometimes had issues with overheat.

There are alot of knowledgeable people on here so ask if your are unsure on something before you jump into it.

Eric

 

[HOLYSMOKES]

Re: Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

Thanks Eric! I have the 4". I had the marina pull the impeller and inspect it...it checked good. The issue with the conversion is they (Marina) said due to tight clearance, the motor will have to be pulled. I am somewhat handy just first time tackling a boat project like this. If thats not the case and I have instrustions, yeah...Id def try it. BTW, this marina I have nicknamed Mabey Marina. It may be this, may be that, of course it could be this...ect. I ran up and grabbed the boat shortly after THAT conversation

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

Take some pictures of the engine bay and post em. Focus on the front of the engine and port side. Maybe hold a tape measure to show the clearance off the engine. There are several on here that have converted the charging set up.

Don't know if anyone had to pull the engine to do it. Maybe someone on here has the Thompson. I did mine in the boat, had plenty of room.

Might not have enough room to get the stator out but it could stay in there with the new kit.

Go on breezeworks website and look at the picture of the alternator kit installed. They have a lower and upper kit available. You should be able to tell which bolts you will have to get at to install it by the picture.

 

[HOLYSMOKES]

Re: Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

I will get the pics next week Eric. I will be gone for a week vacationing Lake of the Ozarks MO. Thanks again

 

[HOLYSMOKES]

Re: Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

UPDATE!!!


It turned out to be the voltage regulator. ($800) Got the boat into the water to find out the starter was bad. Had both the starter and the solonoid replaced. The boat now runs very well. I noticed ALOT of debris comming out of the vent when I filled the boat with fuel. An inline fuel filter will be added this weekend.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Thompson 24 Hardtop Fisherman

UPDATE!!!


It turned out to be the voltage regulator. ($800) Got the boat into the water to find out the starter was bad. Had both the starter and the solonoid replaced. The boat now runs very well. I noticed ALOT of debris comming out of the vent when I filled the boat with fuel. An inline fuel filter will be added this weekend.

Too bad it got so expensive, but for your information check out the two kits here: http://www.breezeworks.net/ if you do not have power steering it seems that the high mount would fit without pulling the engine, and the low mount w/ps (that I just installed on mine) is really no wider than the engine. I think I would be very careful dealing with this marina. You should always change the impeller when you have it apart, it can look OK, and still be part of the problem. Also read up on the other potential problems, coolant leaks and head gasket problems. To have either of those fixed you do not have to go to the marina, a good auto mechanic should be ale to do both with the proper instructions. Anyway good boating and welcome to 470 land.