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Too Hot To Handle (21-2)
by Steve Horsfall
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I have
a 1998 18-foot Mariah powered by a 190 hp 4.3 L MerCruiser
engine. I just took it out for the first time and the
temperature gauge stated it was running around 225 degrees.
That seemed too high. I was wondering what the average
temperature for this type of engine is.
J. Steffel (e-mail)
A temperature of 225 degrees seems a little high. 180-190
degrees would be better. If your engine has a closed
cooling system with antifreeze, 225 might be okay, but
without a heat exchanger I would be a little concerned.
You may want to have the gauge and sender checked using
a mechanical gauge before you proceed. Earlier versions
ran cooler, around 165-175 degrees, but the trend is
higher temperatures in recent years.
SEARCHING FOR GLASS
We own a 1996 Doral Thundercraft 216 CC, which
we bought new and it has been a great boat. Unfortunately
I broke the front windshield on the starboard side,
right in front of the helm. I have tried in vain to
get a new one.
I spoke to a couple of dealers with no luck. One dealer
gave me the number for the manufacturer and I spoke
to a lady there who said my boat was obsolete and couldn't
help. She also said I needed the number from a sticker
off the dash in front of the passenger seat. I don't
believe I've ever seen a sticker in that area. I asked
if the serial number of the boat would help but she
said no.
I can’t believe that replacement glass is not
available. I would be very grateful if you could help
me find new glass for my windshield.
D. MacDonald (e-mail)
I have had several letters from readers similar to yours.
In many cases, the original boat is no longer available,
which compounds the problem.
In your case, Doral is still very much in business.
I would suggest that you direct your efforts there,
through the company or one of their dealers. You can
go to their web site at www.doralboat.com or write them
at: Doral Boats, 1000 Wye Valley Road, P.O. Box 640,
Midland, ON, L4R 4P4. The phone number is (705) 527-8758.
Fax (705) 527-8770. Or contact them at: info@doralboat.com.
MANUAL LABOUR
I just bought a 1998 Tempest bowrider. Can you
tell me where I can get an operator's manual for this
boat?
J. Amato (e-mail)
You can get an owner's manual from the engine manufacturer
by ordering from your local dealer’s parts department.
You will need the engine serial number and horsepower
size. I don't think you will have any luck finding a
Tempest manual.
PARTIALLY DIFFICULT
I am trying to find a part for my boat, but
I am not having any luck. I would like to know if you
could direct me to some outboard salvage or junkyards
so I can locate the part I need.
B. Savage (e-mail)
I don't know of any outboard junkyards but most marinas
that are on or near the water keep old engines for parts.
What are the parts you are looking for? If the list
is not too long, I could mention your needs in a future
column and see if our readers respond with some items.
Got a question, a problem? Send inquiries to Steve
Horsfall at stephen.horsfall@sympatico.ca Fax: 905-624-6764.
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