Why does thermostat keep clogging up?

[scott0530]

I have a Mercury 50hp. I have replaced the thermostat and water pump. The thermostat and pee tube keeps clogging up with small trash from the lake. I have to stop all the time and clean them out or the pontoon quits running. What should I do?

 

[ondarvr]

Without knowing which 50hp Merc you have (there are many models), there should be a screen over the intake, or at least a small metal grate, this should keep it from plugging up most of the time.

​If it plugs up all the time, then something else is going on, especially if the motor stops running because of it.

 

[scott0530]

I am going to check for a screen. That would make sense to me. My boat mechanic says there is no screen but he does not know what could be going on

 

[ondarvr]

We still don't know which of the many models of 50hp Merc you have.

 

[Silvertip]

If the engine quits due to lack of water, it is running hot and you are gradually killing the engine. What kind of trash water are you running in? Are you getting into shallow water with a sandy or mucky bottom. If so, you need to trim up to eliminate sucking up this stuff.

 

[jerryjerry05]

IF??? it's that bad??
You might have a motor full of sand or mud and it needs to be cleaned out??
​How corroded/ clogged up was the thermo??

Without knowing what motor were looking at ???