Overheating Question

[randallt]

I have an 02 Optimax 135 that has about 100 hours on it. This year when I "troll" at a good clip (as in push a lot of water without quite getting on plane) my engine runs hot. On Mille Lacs during high waves it got to 180 and set the alarm off. So I started watching it and sure enough as I run it like this it will push the temp up. If I slow down or speed up it returns to normal. My question is whether or not this is a sign of impeller/water pump going out or is it just a wierd cavitation keeping the intake from bringing in enough water? When this happens the engines seems to be ejecting as much water as normal, although I know it may not be.

I have also been told that you should replace the water pump every two years. Do you all do this? Do these motors have the small rubber impellers like the smaller outboards or is there just a pump or is it one in the same? Also anyone know what it would cost to replace one just to be safe?

Thanks for the info.

[Rost]

I'm no Opti expert, but I do know that these engines are very high tech. If the motor appears to be "ejecting" water like you think it should, it's possible that a there's a sensor/computer problem with it. Either way, it's nothing I would mess around with, as a blown powerhead is not cheap! I'd take it to the Opti pop shop and get her checked out. They'll hook it up to the diagnostics computer and know in an instant.

Good luck!

[Valv]

Rost is correct, water pump for them is just like other motors, but a dealer will be able to tell you eaxactly what's the problem.