I'm hoping someone can help me with this question. My Merc Optimax is not putting out a stream of water from the outflow valve, my smartcraft gauge shows 4.0 psi at idle, coolant temp shows 118.  I can't  run higher than 1000rpm or temp spikes up to 130 and then I get overtemp alarm.   I never saw it go higher than 131 on the temp.   I shut it down, cooled it off and then attempted to idle back to ramp at 500 rpm.   After about 3-5 min.  Overtemp alarm again but coolant temp never went above 120 on the smart craft gauge.  I shut it down and used to trolling motor to ge back to ramp.   Anyone have a idea?   I was thinking water pump, but I have good psi (at least it shows I do at 4.0 at idle on the smartcraft gauge).   Everything worked normal on the way out to my spot but problem on way back in.   Could it be the thermostat?  Any info to trouble shoot would help.   Thanks!

Elijah...

Any solutions on your motor yet?  I am thinking what you are thinking...that or the impellor is not working right.

Hope you got it going!