impeller damage & over heating

[89mariah]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a low hour later model launch where the prior owner said the impeller failed and the motor overheated - to the point of smoking. He shut it down, towed back to the dock and had ti fixed. Any thoughts on what I should look for? I'm concerned of internal engine damage.

Thanks in advance!

[michael hunter]

All depends on how hot it got . Remember 230 degrees is normal in a car. I thought the late model fuel inject engines have overheat protection to prevent damage . Have it inspected before you buy.

[beast 496]

If it is EFI, you should be fine, Overheat alarm is tripped at 205* The exhaust will be hot so check the exhaust system, including the hoses and mufflers. The fiberglass muffler can not handle much heat without water flowing through it. Al

[cadunkle]

All depends on how hot it got . Remember 230 degrees is normal in a car.

230* is where damage starts happening. It should be your maximum shutdown point when overheating.

[cadunkle]

Any thoughts on what I should look for? I'm concerned of internal engine damage.

Overheating results in scored cylinder walls, rings losing tension, possible bearing damage if it got hot enough (oil breakdown, piston material scoring the bearings). Check compression and oil consumption/oily plugs if an engine has been overheated bad. Also check oil for contamination, if it's real dirty or smells like bad it could indicate weak rings.

[michael hunter]

230 will not hurt the engine the damage will be in the exhaust as Beast described.

[pap]

As a newbie - how often do these impellers fail and if that should happen while I'm out on the lake, how does one deal with it?

[docdrs]

As a newbie - how often do these impellers fail and if that should happen while I'm out on the lake, how does one deal with it?

All depends whether you have a strainer.....3years......if not then depends what your running your boat thru.....weeds,silt, sandy water will all reduce the life of the impeller.......change it and carry your old one as a spare or better buy a new one and make replacing it every other year part of your maintenance

[89mariah]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The boat I'm looking at is a 2003 Launch. It does have Fuel Injection. Not sure if it is TBI or EFI. Do both have overheat alarms/safety shutdown?

Thanks