newbee to merc, 2.4 has a cooling problem

[Sleekster]

I just swapped powerheads to an '87 2.4 purchased on this board (thanks Eric) and re-used the gasket (forgot to get one). Took it to the ramp (no Sporty hose flush kit) and no water pressure (below 5 psi) and nothing out the dump (dry stacked). So back to the house, pulled the sportmaster lower and the impreller and plate look great.

I used some heater hose, attached it to the 1/2" water tube with the lower off, and held the hose to the heater hose. I found two leaks at the powerhead to adapter but still nothing out the dump. Do the thermostats prevent any water from exiting the dump? I don't think that is the case.

Could there be a difference from an '88 2.4 200 gasket to an '87 2.4 200? No I didn't match it up visually before mounting it, that would have been smart. I'll order a new gasket, but my question is am I missing something else?

Thanks for any help.

[T-REX]

The base gaskets should be the same...But, use'in an old one could have yealded a leek on tha inside...Ya thermostats won't pass water till they open,,,

[79Tron]

Hey greg, I was just wondering how things were going. Sorry to hear about the problem. It usualy takes a minute or so for the thermostats to open. But that doesnt explain the low water pressure condition. I still have my new powerhead off, If a picture of the adapter plate and old gasket would help just let me know. Take care, Eric

[Sleekster]

T-REX! Thanks for the reply. Maybe I didn't let it warm-up enough. I'm sorta out of my box on this merc thing....although I really liked the ease of dropping the lower, and just 10 nuts on the powerhead to adapter....wow. Not the 42000 that omc uses on the loopers.....

The parts guy says there are two to pick from and wants a serial number, but the numbers are different. This started out as a 150. Would it be the same then?

Eric, the powerhead started on the 2nd try and sounded great. Thank you again. Now, just to figure out the low pressure.......

I'll replace the gasket and see what happens then, maybe I'll run it til the thermies open.

Thanks guys (and coons). I might have cooked one powerhead, I don't want to risk another.

[T-REX]

Tha differnce in tha 2 gaskets are the size ov the exhaust outlets...one is smaller than the other...Juss measure your exhaust outlets on your adaptor and git the gasket to match...If your deel'in wit a reel parts man, he won't even have to look it up when U give him the measurements...

[Sleekster]

Don't know if I'm staying on the dark side, but your hospitality and knowledge make it tempting! Thanks. I'll do that, The only rub is I need to pull the powerhead, and then order it and wait....there is little room in this two car, which is really a one boat, one CBR and a ton of white motor parts garage but I'll figure it out.

Still seems like a lot of water loss to have low pressure....of course this was the first time i used the gauge. I'll take another one with me the next time. I guess I need to spend the money and get a hose flusher for the Sporty....$35 seems high.

[Alan Power]

I guess I need to spend the money and get a hose flusher for the Sporty....$35 seems high.

Coke bottle and some duck tape ;) :D

[Sleekster]

I'll do that!

BTW my first boat was a VKing, had it for 9 years and sorry I sold it. It was a blast. Great go-fast.