Mercruiser 165 running hot

[caribouhunter]

I am worried that my engine is running too hot. It has a 160 degree thermostat in it and the temp gage is reading 185. I checked the oil and it's fine and the water level is full (salt water engine)

Any ideas?

[The Whale]

Replace your thermo with a 140 / 145 temp range and make sure the motor is flushed clean and full. Should take care of the problem. Has it been running cooler with the 160 thermo in it ?, how much cooler and for how long ?

[SalmonBum]

Is it running hot at idle or just on plane? Could be a weak impeller.