1994 Mercury 200 2.5 offshore overheat alarm at higher speed.

[garbubba]

Hey guys, had a buddy come over from New Orleans Saturday & we ran out to Horn Island (in the pitch dark) for the night.
On the way out I was creeping along just on plane, maybe 2600 rpms, then when there aren't anymore channel markers to hit, I picked it up to 3000, after a minute the alarm started to sound. I pulled back to neutral checked, pee is coming out fine, hot but not crazy hot, cowling not hot, no smoke smell except 2-stroke, while I'm checking the alarm goes off. We're halfway now so off we go at 2700. No troubles, nice night, breezy morning. On the way home pretty much the same thing, seemed that it might have been getting worse, alarm went off at 2600rpms so I just slowed down for the last bit.

Only change since last trip was a new stator and plugs.

I don't have an oil alarm, that is long gone. So this has to be heat right?

Motor ran like a top.

No restriction at the inlet, pee seems as strong as ever.

I remember having to replace the poppit valves many years ago, I seem to remember something like this being the cause, could that be it?

I'm due for an impeller, I'll put that on my list, but I have doubts that that's it.

Looking for ideas.....