1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and during idle

[aquaskiwmn]

My 1991 has 745 hours. We have a problem with the temp. gauge going up above 180 when we are in idle after a ski run. I have talked to 2 mechanics about it. They have not found the problem. The temp goes down is I put it in neutral and rev it up to 25 K rpm. It does not overheat when under way. Is this just a gauge that is stuck or is there an issue with the water cooing intake?

[TRBenj]

RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and during

Youre drawing air. Check every single hose connection from the hull pick up to the RWP and tighten the clamps with a 5/16" wrench, not a screwdriver. Also be sure that you have the o-ring for the strainer bowl in place and the bowl is screwed down TIGHT.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and during

What Tim said above. You need to do this periodically.


A 1991 is old school now ?

[morfoot]

Re: RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and dur

A 1991 is old school now ?

Guess so Mike! Probably anything with wood stringers is Old school. You know just like you and I!



Double check your hoses to be sure they aren't cracked or spilt. I just had this issue come up on my 88'. I noticed high temps at idle and real high at cruise. Changed the impeller and then noticed underway that the temp was 140'f. No way a new impeller is that efficient. I double checked the hoses and found one split just above the hose clamp on outlet of pump.

[mrstevens]

RE: Re: RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and

Hi All:

I have a similar yet distinctly different issue if that makes any sense. I have a 1987 SN with a 302 Ford power-plant. I also get higher temps after a ski run (180F) but also get an audible systems alarm and the oil warning light in the dash flickers. In addition the oil pressure dips down to about 40psi. If you idle up just slightly to around 1000RPM the alarms go away, temps drop back to 160F and oil pressure is back to 60psi. Also if you idle long enough the symptoms clear up. I have checked the oil fill level it is fine. Any ideas on what direction I should go with trying to trouble shoot this issue?

Many thanks for any assistance or advice you may be able to provide.

[8122pbrainard]

Re: RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and dur

A 1991 is old school now ?

Guess so Mike! Probably anything with wood stringers is Old school. You know just like you and I!

Tim and Mike,
Don't forget about me! Old school! Yup!!!

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Re: RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and

**** to get old. I guess we cannot fight time. I am trying, but.......

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Re: RE: 1991 Ski Nautique - overheating after skiing and

Mr Stevens,

I would replace your impeller and thermostat, and go through your hoses with a 5/16" nut driver. Your oil pressure sensor may be flaking on you. Easy to replace and an easy thing to eliminate. How many hours on the engine? Could just be getting old and tired. 22 years going strong. Timing is easy to check, too. Adjust your carb, should be around 650-700 at idle, in gear. Another great place to seek advice on older boats like this is CCFan. Lotsa help to be had over there. Including from the above mentioned Pete and Tim.

[mrstevens]

Thanks for the advice and tips. I will do what you have suggested and see what I can narrow things down to. I was hoping that someone had run into the exact same issue and there would be some silver bullet answer. I appreciate your response and your approach so will chase these items as a first step.

I have owned the boat it since it was new in 1987. The motor still runs very strong and has about 1300 hours on it. The carb was replaced about 5 or 6 years ago. The motor gets wiped down pretty much after every use as does the rest of the boat. Other than belts, oil changes and the occasional seat needed to be recovered the boat has been problem free. Not bad for a 22 year old!

Thanks again.
Mark

[lambchop]

Could be something much more simple

My 78 Nautique did this for years, did all the stuff talked about previously but could not get that temp from going high after a run, then it would gradually go back to normal. All I did was tighten up the belt running the pump, this symptom went away immediately.