What is the average engine temp?????

[mcnasty]

I just bought a 2001 super air nautique and yesterday on the lake the temp gauge would move between 160 and about 170. The reason why I ask is my ski supreme wouldn't move past 160. Just want to make sure its not over heating.
Thanks

[AB]

Usually 160-165 then cools down at idle. Do you cool down at idle?
If the lake water is really warm, maybe you might see 170 under load, but I would start to question your freshwater delivery system up the impellor. Do you have debris in the strainer or in the through-hull fitting? When was the last time you replaced the impellor?

[mcnasty]

There is nothing in the strainer. It will idle up to about 168 then when I start driving it will usually cool do to 160 or stay at 168 depending on what I am doing at the time. I have not changed the impellor yet, I just bought it last week. I am going to take it to the shop tomarrow for the ballast pump not pumping out so I just might have them change the impellor. How hard is it on this boat? My supreme was pretty easy. New to the ford motor

[AB]

If your temp is that high at idle, I would be highly suspicious of the impelllor, as it cools down if you go a little faster, which forces more water through the intake. At some point, the higher rpms generate more heat than the intake can feed in, and the engine willl overheat and shutoff.

The impellor is not that hard to replace. PRobably have an article on it in the do it yourself area of the forum.
On my GT40 it is in front of the engine on the starboard side. Loosen the belt and take it off and a few bolts later it is usually out in the open to work with. I think it took half an hour or so.

[mcnasty]

Thank you for all your help. I have to find out what motor is in the boat. The engine compartment is pretty tight. Not use to that. I have worked on the tiges and my supreme know prop, but those have more room in the engine compartment. I just need to man up and take care of it. Thanks again

[horkn]

It probably has a 351W gt40 5.8 motor in it.

It's possible it has a python 8.1 Gm based motor, but probably not.


How many hours are on it? I have a feeling the impeller might be a little worn, or your strainer has weeds in it.

Like was said before, it should not go really over 160.