Strainer seal gasket

[WakeSlayer]

In 16 years of Nautique ownership, I have never once not hooked my finger over the top of the strainer when dumping it, nor not verified it was still there. Well, after launching my boat for the first time of the year Saturday to pull my lift in, I noticed the temp gauge rising. Went back to check the hose connection I had removed to summerize the engine. It was fine, then tried to tighten the strainer bowl and it was a bit loose. Removed to look at it and NO seal. Warmed up the Python but not too bad.... about 210 or so... Oops.

Just a note of warning to always look and make sure it is there. Obviously I failed to do so. $5 problem could have been a $7-8k problem if I wasn't paying attention....

[Chexi]

Sound advice as always. Thanks!

[mf01]

While doing some fuel pressure testing yesterday, I noticed my strainer leaking. I ordered another oring today, before taking it off. Hopefully that's all it is.

[2004196]

Strainer O ring

I keep two spare o-rings looped over the oil fill tube just for this reason. I dumped my strainer overboard a couple years ago and watched the o-ring drop into the lake. Won't do that again but just in case! I also keep an extra bowl and screen in the boat as well but that is a different thread.

[WakeSlayer]

epilogue

Just a follow up post.

I was gone on vaca. Came back and had a new strainer seal in the mail. As I was installing this, naturally, I found the "lost" one way down in my bilge. Ran for a couple minutes floating in the lift. Temp spike again. Definitely smoked my impeller. I always, always have a spare. I had shredded half my vanes off. Replaced the impeller, and all is good. Running 160*. I should probably chase down the pieces I am missing, but I did not have the right tools on me to pull the stat hoses.

[bchesley]

Glad to hear your back in order, but it amazes me how easily the impellers fry on these big blocks. My GT-40 motors would run for 5 minutes with out water and not hurt the impellers. I fried one in about 30 seconds chasing an air leak in my boat. It turned out to be the fresh water flush, which are junk if you ask me. I am up and running now and all kinks have been ironed out. I am going to PM you a few questions though.