Merc 200 temp

[kylesbdsmerc]

I have a 1993 Merc 200 2.5 carb. I just put in a temp gauge and it seems to get pretty warm when idling, at least hotter than I'd like to see it get. Idling the temp gauge gets to 3/4, when im running its about 1/4-1/2 way which is where I think it needs to be all the time. As soon as it gets above idle and wot its fine. I tried taking out the thermostats and it ran cooler at idle but the temp would start climbing at wot and the water pressure dropped to 12lbs. It usually runs at 17-18lbs of water pressure at wot. I just put a new impeller in last week and it didn't change anything. Ive had this motor for 4years and this is the first year Ive had this temp gauge. I could just be paranoid. Any ideas?

[boatdel]

Try using a digital pyrometer to get an accurate reading. Should have 143 degree t-stats. Check temp on top of each head.

[K-Dawg]

My 1991 200 2.5 carb gets up to about 170 idleing then runs around 140-150 when running.

[kylesbdsmerc]

Thanks for the advice. That actually doesn't sound too far off from where mine is running. I guess that is just how it runs.