water jacket blockage

[BOATINGmatt]

e-rude 225 1986---port side temp is higher that starbord..its doesnt overheat but the port side almost gets to the 1/2 way point on the temp gauge (outboard style gauge..goes from cold to hot) while the starbord side remains at 1/4 way up...im convinced its a blockage in the water jacket...it gets worse at WOT and when i back off teh throttle some she cools down more...Th port side always runs hotter tho....I really do not want to open her up if i dont have to ...i ralize that removing the heads and checking for salt ans swollel water deflectors id the best idea butthis engine was a mess when i got her and i think i could easily stip the bolts when i remove the heads...anyone have any success with "salt away" or similar engine flush to clear some of the junk out of the cooling system????
thanks

 

[bob johnson]

Re: water jacket blockage

how are you not sure you dont have a lean condition in one or more carbs on that bank??... I am running a similar issue, although i just installed all rebuilt carbs and hope to find out that hotter side issue has changed...

if you have a slight airleak, from a bad gasket seal you could be getting more air in your mixture, or you could have a dirty needle seat...

I have heard guys use dish detergent to help clean out salt deposits in the motor...


good luck

bob

 

[BOATINGmatt]

Re: water jacket blockage

how would i begin to diagnose if im running lean...thanks

 

[bob johnson]

Re: water jacket blockage

how would i begin to diagnose if im running lean...thanks

well the motor might have a slight "sneeze" as they say...some people can tell by looking at the plugs( I cant) or you could try to adjust the idle mixture and see if the motor responds..by sound, spark plug fouling ( or not) or by watching the temps go down.

its best to have an infared thermometer to watch the temps instantly


what have you done as far are replaceing the thermostats??

bob

 

[RandyJ]

Re: water jacket blockage

Lean plugs will be dry, maybe even have a "crusty" buildup. Rich plugs will be oily. Good normal plugs somewhat blackened but dry or with slight oily appearance. Lean may also result in burning or rounding of electrode on plug

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: water jacket blockage

Is the water valve still attached to throttle linkage? Does it work and not stopped up? If its not working correctly or has been bypassed it will not allow the t-stat/poppet to unseat in the head, also this engine does not have delfectors...