I just posted this under General Discussion but I'm thinking it might be more appropriate in this forum so I am re-posting here as well.
I have a 2002 Formula 260BR with a 496 Merc engine (275 hours) and Bravo-3 outdrive. Two weeks ago I ran into shallow water while boating at night on Lake Tahoe and ended up on what I assume is sand (or maybe mud). I was able to raise the outdrive and maneuver myself into deeper water and continue back home. I've been told to pay close attention to the engine temperature since overheating is the most common problem if I sucked in sand or mud and that I could fry the impeller. I've had the boat out several time since then and the temp seems to be right where it always is-between 140-160 degrees. One difference I think I'm noticing is that the RPM's seem to be higher in relation to my speed than they used to be. I don't know if I ever paid close enough attention to this to detect a difference or if I'm just being paranoid. Since the lake has been very windy the last week or so I haven't had a chance to take it out at higher speeds and trim the outdrive up to see if it's running like always or straining. My question is-does anyone know if running aground in sand could somehow affect the efficiency of the power train? If so, what needs to be done to correct the problem? Also, is there anything from a preventive standpoint that I should have checked when the boat is out of the water during the off season? Thanks.
Art
I have a 2002 Formula 260BR with a 496 Merc engine (275 hours) and Bravo-3 outdrive. Two weeks ago I ran into shallow water while boating at night on Lake Tahoe and ended up on what I assume is sand (or maybe mud). I was able to raise the outdrive and maneuver myself into deeper water and continue back home. I've been told to pay close attention to the engine temperature since overheating is the most common problem if I sucked in sand or mud and that I could fry the impeller. I've had the boat out several time since then and the temp seems to be right where it always is-between 140-160 degrees. One difference I think I'm noticing is that the RPM's seem to be higher in relation to my speed than they used to be. I don't know if I ever paid close enough attention to this to detect a difference or if I'm just being paranoid. Since the lake has been very windy the last week or so I haven't had a chance to take it out at higher speeds and trim the outdrive up to see if it's running like always or straining. My question is-does anyone know if running aground in sand could somehow affect the efficiency of the power train? If so, what needs to be done to correct the problem? Also, is there anything from a preventive standpoint that I should have checked when the boat is out of the water during the off season? Thanks.
Art
