This is my first post here, sorry for the length of the problem description. I have a 96 model V6 200 hp that has a cooling problem. I last ran the motor in March with no issues. After sitting all summer, I pulled it out to give it a check before going fishing. I hooked up the ear muffs and ran it in the drive way for about 5 minutes when the temp light and buzzer went off. The tattle tale was squirting, but did seem a little weak (the water pressure gauge has never shown pressure when it is on the ear muffs) so I bought and installed a new pump/impeller. After that, it ran fine in the driveway. Went fishing the next day but did not run the motor much (maybe 15 or 20 minutes total at various speeds) with no problem. The water pressure gauge was showing good pressure and the tattle tale was squirting strong. At one point I did get the motor into the mud for a short time, but the tattle tale was still squirting strong and water pressure was still showing good. When I got back home and put the ear muffs on to flush it out, after about 5 mins the temp buzzer and light went off again (tattle tale was squirting). I pulled the thermostats and they were both open, but I noticed that there did not seem to be any water at the thermostats. I did not put the thermostat housings back on the motor (left the holes open), turned the water back on and cranked the motor. The tattle tale was squirting, but no water was coming out of the thermostat holes (only a little steam). I did not notice any corrosion or blockage at the thermostat holes on either side.
What could be causing this? Water should have come out of the housing, right? Could low flow from the water hose maybe cause this? What about the blow off valve? Should water come out of the blow off valve hole if I started it up with that out? I have heard something about deflectors, what are they and where would they be?
What could be causing this? Water should have come out of the housing, right? Could low flow from the water hose maybe cause this? What about the blow off valve? Should water come out of the blow off valve hole if I started it up with that out? I have heard something about deflectors, what are they and where would they be?