Merc 90 Poppet valve

[Wellman]

Hello everyone. I had a problem with my boat this weekend. It would run for about 30 minutes and then would overheat, the alarm went off anyway. I have a good stream out the back of it. I took the thermostat/poppet valve housing off and the thermostat and pooet valve seemed ok. My question is: Should there be a hole in the cast right under neathe the poppet valve. It almost looks like a journal for water, but I am not sure. It would be between the poppet valve and the outer housing. Thanks in advance.

Doug

[Wellman]

Here is a picture that shows what I mean.

[delcecchi]

Just looking at the picture, that looks like something is broken. I don't think the factory puts craggy looking holes like that in there.

[Wellman]

Thanks for the reply Del. It looks in the picture worse than what it is. I think it probably is a chunk out but don't know for sure.

Thanks again

[marine_man]

I don't believe that's the way it's supposed to be.

marine_man

[delcecchi]

JB weld to the rescue?