overheating problem

kymona · 06 July 2004, 17:42

i have a mercury 150 hp xr6 2 stroke i started it up last nightfirst time after about 10 days started up first time there was a steady stream of water coming out cooling linebut the water was red hot donr know why anybody got any suggestions was told by a dealer i would need the impellor changing he has not looked at it just by what i told him

Pete7 · 06 July 2004, 18:57

The water pressure on a V6 is quite low, but if you have a steady stream of water then it suggests a head gasket has gone. Drop the gearbox and check the pump as the dealer suggests because its only 7 bolts (one hidden under the anode fin on the back) but also do a compression check. Readings should be 120 psi but more importantly is a big variation in one or more clyinders.

It may not be the end of the world, so don't panic.

Pete

kymona · 06 July 2004, 19:41

if the head gasket had gone would there not be a drop in performance there is no drop still do 40 knots plus no problem just the hot water

Pete7 · 06 July 2004, 21:22

I had a 1988 V6 which ran hot at tickover but at speed there was sufficient cooling that the temp was normal. Having checked the pump a compression test revealed the starboard bank down on compression, 120/105/115. Engine ran fine at speed. Problem was solved by replacing the head gasket and cleaning up the head which was showing signs of corrosion.

Pete

kymona · 06 July 2004, 22:43

ita a 2001 mercury xr6 with 14 hours on it what type of cost will i be looking at if it is a head gasket

Biggles · 06 July 2004, 22:44

A three year old engine with 14 hours on it.

kymona · 06 July 2004, 23:03

yes the man i bought it off is a friend he had lost interest after somethiing happened it was just sat in his garage

Turbodiesel · 07 July 2004, 14:21

The V6 engines do run very hot, the water is normally steaming when it comes out. The tell tale will pulse when its not hot. Did any warning horns go off when it was running?. Before you start looking at head gaskets, have a look at the thermostats make sure they are opening up. The V6 engines can get alot of salt build up in the thermostat housings causing them to stick if it has'nt been flushed with fresh water.