xr4 running hot

[xtr]

89 XR4 has to be at 4000 rpm or more to stay cool.
Replaced water pump and now thermostats with no improvement. I pulled the water pressure release valve and every thing seems clear, no debris etc. max water pressure is maybe 12psi at wot. At lower rpm water presure is really low (less than 5psi). This problem is fairly recent. I used to be able to put-put around no problem, now its 40 mph+ or it cooks.

What is wrong?

[The Big Al]

Carburetors may need to be cleaned.

Running lean. maybe

[Scanos]

Did you replace the water pump yourself? If so did you put the thick rubber O ring that goes over the driveshaft on top of the pump housing or inside of the water pump cover in the detent? You would be surprised how many people do this.. It has to go inside the top cover in the detent. It will cause low pressure and also burn your water pump housing......if that is not it you need to ensure your pump is sealed good or look for resitrictions in your water hoses.....wasps like build nests in them

[xtr]

Thanks guys,

Al, I also suspected a lean running condition. I will have that checked in the spring.

Scanos, I did the water pump myself. The thick black o-ring is outside the pump housing. I did it this way because that was the way I found it. It also was shown that way in my manual (seloc). That being said, I do remember questioning the purpose of the o-ring. Outside the housing it seems less than useless. The manual calls it a centrifugal slinger ( I think) but I don't understand it's purpose.

Unfortunately, Autumn has arrived. The boat maintenance will now have to wait until the beginning of May when the Vegas comes out of storage.

Any further thoughts or guidance is more than welcome until then.

Regards,

Colman

[M.CHAPMAN]

The centrifugal slinger goes on the outside of the pump housing just as you installed it. Slides down the driveshaft and sits on top of the pump housing.

[faztbullet]

Had This Same Problem Few Months Back. Replace The Complete Poppet Valve With One From A 89 200hp