Water Block off plates question

[RickyR]

I am running a pair of 250 Verado's on a 35 CC Donzi. The engines are mounted in the 2nd hole, and I want to go up another hole. Donzi recommends the 3rd hole, but has experienced loss of water pressure after a while or half of a season.
I was told that since Verado has pick ups in the front of the gearcase, I could block off the side pick ups. But what I am thinking is just block off the outboard side of the pick ups and leave the inner ones open (except for the top and bottom holes, as the bolts go thru them).
Does anyone have advise on whether this is a good idea, bad idea, or the wrong side of the engine?
Is there another way of doing this without re-inventing the wheel?
Isn't there a side that will allow less turbulence to the prop?
Thanks in advance for info..
Ricky

[hsbob]

its typical to block the top 2 or 3 holes on the 2 cycles. i would suggest you do the top0 2 and get the merc scopes that go over the holes and direct water into the holes. the scope should be less than $20 for ea motor. the scopes by them self should do what you need.

[RickyR]

Thanks for the reply.. Yes I have the plates or scoops for the engines. But my question is, will it hurt or help if I put the plate on the outboard side of the lower unit and leave the inboard side open.
Or put the plates on both sides?
I'd hate to run over a bag and have the front blocked off, but if the inside is open, then it won't cook the impeller..
Thanks, Ricky

[RustyJ671]

put the plates on both sides of the lower unit. The will not restrict water flow into the engine. Actually, they will increase water flow since they are "SCOOPS" and are designed to help water get into the motor, not block it.

[RickyR]

Thanks for the reply.
I did a little experiment this weekend and put one scoop on the outboard side of the port engine and left the stbd engine stock.
Just this, increased my water pressure all through the rpm's, and at idle the port engine ran around 7-10 degrees cooler. At speed the temps were the same.
Today, I called Mercury and asked the same questions, and they confirmed that I should try one scoop first on the outboard side of the engine.
So, now my next job is to put the scoop on the stbd engine (outboard side) and then raise the engines one more hole..
Only problem is,... it is a bytch getting to the bottom nuts.. I am too tall and wide for this job. I did it this summer, but I was eager to get my boat going.
Thanks again for the help.
Ricky

[vscorsa]

Sorry to raise an old thread.

I have a 32ZF Donzi with twin 300's and have the same water pressure problem.

Can these water scoops be purchased from mercury?

Will it void the warranty on the motors?

Can you install the scoops without blocking holes?

Cheers

Dave

[vscorsa]

^^^^^

Anybody?

[finetuna]

Hi I am from aus has eny body had water problems with opti 200