tell tale on 2003 150hp Merc 2.5L

Question
the tell tale doesn't pee when first started and run at idle.  it will pee when run at higher rpms and then if run for 10 minutes or so at lower speed (just above idle in gear) the pee water is very warm (over 110 F)but not steam.  if the motor is run at 3k rpm the water will cool off.  engine has plenty of pwr and planes my sea pro 2100 easy. i ran the motor in lake water today that was 58 F.  is it normal for the pee water to be hot?  I have only owned this boat/motor for a few months?
Dave


Answer
Hi Dave...thanks for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

The symptoms you describe suggest the impeller may require replacement. A weak or no stream indicates the blades on the impeller are seriously deteriorated or badly damaged. The stream should be warm, because fresh water is sucked up through a strainer and then pumped through the water journals in the powerhead, which helps to cool the engine. If the water is really hot, then there's little water pressure, which means the water is flowing through the engine very slowly and getting overheated. Be careful. You could seriously damage the powerhead, which will be very, very costly. Best you get the problem attended to by a qualified and reliable marine mechanic before your very next venture, otherwise, you could be in big trouble and jeopardize the safety of anyone onboard.

Safe Boating
Ron