[grouperhead]

My New 2002, Mercury 200 Classic, Saltwater outboard indicates on the temperature gauge that it is running hot at times. The gauge doesn't have #'s on the face, just C on one end and H on the other. At idle it indicates just above the middle of the gauge. Between 2200 rpms and 3200 rpm's the gauge shows between 3/4 and H on the gauge. At that RPM the gauge shows almost full Hot and sometimes pegs out. The engine runs fine and there are no warning horns. Above 3200 rpm's it indicates at the 3/4 mark on the gauge. The numbers on the back of the gauge are: CE 859684-1 258/00Also, on the face of the gauge there are no numbers and no red areas. Just blue lines next to the "C", the 1/2 mark in the middle of the gauge and next to "H", with white lines at the 1/4 mark and 3/4 mark. What is the temperature range of this gauge? Is it adjustable? Should I ignore my temperature gauge? Do Merc's run on the hot side of the gauge usually? I also have a water pressure gauge; the water pressure at idle indicates 3 or 4 lbs and the pressure indicates around 5 to 7 lbs when the temperature indicates hot. Last time out the needle on the temperature gauge pegged out for a few seconds twice. Any help? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[clanton]

The manual I have indicates 12 psi at 5500 rpms. The manual printed 1997 serial number OG960499 and up. These engines have not changed much in the last few years, I would check the water pump and engine temp with a melt stick or point and shoot temp checker.

[grouperhead]

Okay thanks for that information. I can check the temperature easily with my calibrated personal meter...but once I check the temperature with my calibrated meter I still need to be able to see if my boats gauge is accurate. Is there any way to determine what the range of my boats gauge is? I need to be able to tell if my boats gauge matches my calibrated meter. There are no numbers on the boats gauge. Also, what should the engines normal operating temperature be?