Temp Gauge issue???

[2kwik4u]

I noticed this weekend that while running around the temp on the boat NEVER moved. Not sure if the temp gauge isn't working, or if it really isn't getting warm.

Anyone know what the standard operating temp of my little 3.0L should be?

I can troubleshoot the gauge OK, I just need to know if it's supposed to be moving or not. Lake water temps are still in the mid-low 60's so I always assumed it just ran cool because the lake water was so cold.

Any thoughts?

[gmricketts]

We have a 3.0L and the thermostat is 140 degree, Normally warms up to 140 and stays there unless impeller problem.  We were out on lake Erie recently for an couple hour ride and the water temp was in the low 40's and the temp only got up to about 120-130 at times.

Do you see water comming ou of your outdrive, I alwasy look after starting to be sure the impeller is working.

George
     

[2kwik4u]

The outdrive is completely submerged....Where am I supposed to see it coming from?

I certainly think it's running water through it however since I've cruised as far as 10 miles one way already with it at 3500rpm. Oil pressure seems fine at ~40psi or so, but the coolant temp gauge never moved. I felt the manifolds after the initial run this year, and they were cool to the touch after a 2-3 miles sprint, so that means they have water in them right?

[gmricketts]

Mike,   Do you have merc or volvo I/O?  The merc alpha exhausts through the center of the prop and the lower portion if the gimbal housing. On our boat the gimbal is above the water and you can see weter and exhaust comming out at idle.  At speed lots of water comes out.

George

[2kwik4u]

It's a Mercruiser setup.

I'll have to toss it in the water one night this week and check it out. Might throw the muffs on it as well, and try that way to see that water is coming out of the prop.

When the boats in the water, I think the entire lower unit is under water. I'll have to double check though to make sure.

[SweetTooth]

The muffs will leave you with no doubts

[gmricketts]

When I run on the muffs the exhaust only come out at the bottom of the gimbal housing.

I check how warm the hoses are around the thermostat housing.   To check the gauge ground the wire from the gauge that connects to the sending unit with the key on and the gauge should move all the way to the right,  if so then it is probably the sending unit. if the gauge does not move look to be sure you have 12 volts to the gauge and the wire from the gauge to the sender is good. Also check the sending unit is grounded well, They have a tang to connect the mounting bracket to the gauge to provide a good ground this has to make a good ground for the sensor to work.

Good Luck

George
   
 

[2kwik4u]

Thanks for the tips.....Supposed to start raining tonight, and continue through until the weekend. Might take me that long to get to it, since I can't run the muffs in the garage I can go ahead and check the guage wires though.