blackhawk cooling problem

[evetsathom]

Earlier this year I had a freshwater cooling system installed on my 96 Blackhawk. I purchased it from San Juan Engineering. Prior to the install the boat ran at a temp of about 180, slightly higher while pushing it. After the install it runs @ 200 at a cruise speed and higher once you get it over 3000 rpm. Last weekend I had to pull back to an idle from high speed. The hot buzzer came on immediatelly. The mechanic that installed the unit thinks that the pickup on the blackhawk unit can not take in water fast enough to keep it cool. He wants to install a through hull fitting. The idea of butchering the boat turns me off. Any thoughts as to what may be the solutiion ?

[RedDog]

For what it is worth, my '98 502 MPI (same as yours?) is raw water cooled and runs at 150 - 155. Quite a bit lower than your pre-closed (what you call fresh) cooling temp of 180. Maybe a new thermostat should be tried? Check the impeller?