2003 SAN 210 PCM exhaust hose bust

[tlove47]

Just purchased the boat from Miami. Now in fresh water. New to these boats. Alternator was stuck so after replacing replacing the alternator, belt and some fluids (while waiting on impeller to arrive) I decided to take the boat for a stroll. Literally around the block. Just to see if I noticed anything else. Well all seemed okay until one of the 3" exhaust hose bursted. A small amount of water was dripping thru leak causing some steam and there was a tad of blue smoke coming from exhaust out of the back of the boat but went away on my slow return back to marina. I think the blue smoke was just regular buildup burning since everything leads me to believe the boat has been sitting for some time. Does this sound like the impeller completely gave out causing the tubes to overheat and break? Any ideas would be helpful as well as any tips for impeller replacement and flushing the system. Id like for an tech to take a look and I understand boats are money pits but I just really hate paying a dealer to replace something or "tune up" if its something obvious or simple

[charlesml3]

What was your engine temp while this was going on? Sounds to me like the impeller is bad/missing.

-Charles

[ZIRB3L]

Since the boat is new to you, I would just replace the impeller regardless. If the engine temp still goes above 160ish at running temp then I would look into replacing the thermostat as the next step.

[wakehead]

Impeller could be chewed up. I went through a couple of those. Also the thermostat could be seized. I have had that happen before too.

[fb_rider]

If water isn't circulating, those exhaust hoses will overheat. They cannot withstand the heat of straght exhaust.

[tlove47]

Water pump is spinning free after removing this impeller . So hopefully this was the cause of the problems im facing at the moment. What’s the procedure to check the thermostat. I have the all of the exhaust system that gets in the way disassembled so now is the time to check things while they are accessible. I will upload a pic of this poor impeller. Destroyed but doesnt look like to much was lost in the cooling system so a good flush should do it. Also just curious it seems there is a tensioner for the impeller. I suppose this tightens the fins so that it pushes a strong pressure thru the cooling system? Thanks for helping this newbie haha

[tlove47]

I know she looks rough but seems like assembly is doing its job. Ima clean her up good. Just going to be a boat where as things fail i will try to replace parts and clean up as well as i can.

[tlove47]

Images 2

[Infinity]

I know she looks rough but seems like assembly is doing its job. Ima clean her up good. Just going to be a boat where as things fail i will try to replace parts and clean up as well as i can.

Wow, I would say you found the issue alright! Make sure you flush everything out of the cooler, since the vanes that broke off will cause blockage and continue to give you issues.
Also, clean that housing up really well, you want the cover nice and smooth so it seals right when you install the new impeller and gasket. Inside as well....you may even want to lightly wet sand with a 1500-2000 grit to get any gunk out and make inside really smooth. When you re-install the impeller, you can use marine grease or dish soap (like dawn) to make the install easier and make sure the impeller vanes are facing the same direction as it was before.

You can check thermostat by removing....boiling hot water and when around 150 degrees, hold the thermostat in there and see at what temp it "pops" open. Should be around 160 degrees depending on the one you have. Nautique Parts should have a replacement one for you. (you get a discount by entering "PND" at checkout)

If boat sat that long, while you have it apart I would check some of your fuel lines and make sure they are not deteriorated on interior, assume you already replaced the fuel filter and fuel/water separator? Check your belt out really good too while you have it off and your idler pulley to make sure its not "sloppy".

Good for you to DIY this stuff. I do all my own work too.....love it, relaxes me. Stay with it, you will have an awesome boat and it will be even better when she is purring like a kitten and its cause you did it all yourself.

Just as a thot....you may want to get some test strips and check the coolant to make sure the alkaline levels are right and it does not need a flush. Dont know how long the boat sat.

[tlove47]

Thanks Infinity. Im going to fix the issues at hand and some of the things you mentioned. I have more questions but first i do have a question about the coolant. I have read the pcm manual and have not seen a cooling system like mine. There is no reservoir.no cap. I believe if I remember correctly theres supposed to be a place to check alkalinity ? Prob not right but sounds something like that lol. Just doesnt seem like anything ive seen in manual. Ill send some pics of the system in the morning although atm it is apart

[wakehead]

That exact same thing with the impeller happened to me. Hopefully those pieces of impeller circulated through the entire cooling system and out the exhaust. I learned to ensure I remove the impeller before each winter, store it in a bag with lubricant and reinstall. Otherwise replace. Also I made sure to prime the cooling system to avoid the impeller running dry for those primary few seconds. I poured water directly down the hose that feeds the impeller.