chevy2inreno
New member
"We're new to boating, but
"We're new to boating, but I've built several hot rods and am familiar with basic engine knowledge.
I have a 1999 21ft Regal with a 4.3 FI MercMarine engine. We usually boat at 5,000-6,000 feet above sea level. After a couple minutes of steady cruising at 3,500-4,000 rpm, temps get up to over 200 degrees and the engine falls on its face. It will idle and run at low rpm's, but feels like it's vapor locking. It will run fine after cooling down a bit. I know 200 degrees is close to normal operating temp in a car, but I'm not familiar with boat operations, and am guessing it's too high.
1. What is the correct operating temp for my 4.3? If it's running hot, what should I check?
2. I'm using cheap 89 Octane fuel and gassing up at the local gas station before hitting the water. I don't think cheap gas has anything to do with the engine heating up, but could it be contributing to a vapor lock problem?
3. Could a dirty fuel filter be contributing to the vapor lock?
Thanks,
Dave"
"We're new to boating, but I've built several hot rods and am familiar with basic engine knowledge.
I have a 1999 21ft Regal with a 4.3 FI MercMarine engine. We usually boat at 5,000-6,000 feet above sea level. After a couple minutes of steady cruising at 3,500-4,000 rpm, temps get up to over 200 degrees and the engine falls on its face. It will idle and run at low rpm's, but feels like it's vapor locking. It will run fine after cooling down a bit. I know 200 degrees is close to normal operating temp in a car, but I'm not familiar with boat operations, and am guessing it's too high.
1. What is the correct operating temp for my 4.3? If it's running hot, what should I check?
2. I'm using cheap 89 Octane fuel and gassing up at the local gas station before hitting the water. I don't think cheap gas has anything to do with the engine heating up, but could it be contributing to a vapor lock problem?
3. Could a dirty fuel filter be contributing to the vapor lock?
Thanks,
Dave"