1986 Force 85hp water pump flow

[Cali_fisher]

I have a 1996 Force 85hp Ho856X86L that I am having trouble getting good water flow.
I have Changed impeller and the thermostat. Everything looks good but when I sit at an idle or very low speed the high temp alarm comes on. I punch it and the alarm goes off and I can see good flow again.

I have been told this is normal for this engine. Can anyone confirm this and if so is there anything I can do to fix it. After market water pump or something?

Thanks for the feedback

[Jiggz]

It depends how low your idle rpm is. But one other option is to remove the thermostat first and see if the same symptoms happen. If it does, then you can confirm it's not thermostat related, then you can try raising the idle RPM a little bit. Usually for this type of engine idle RPM with gear engaged in the water is 1000~1200 RPM. If the idle RPM is set right then it's time to look for the water ports to make sure it's not scaled or restricted.

[foodfisher]

I believe 10-1200 is neutral RPMS. It should equate to 750-800 RPMS in gear, in water. more:Overheating at idle is not normal. Recheck your idle rpms.

[Jiggz]

Foodfisher is correct that should be the neutral and not engaged. Engaged should be around 750~800 RPM.