*new* Merc Optimax question

[shaneburris74]

I got a buddy that just bought a Nitro Bass Boat from up at the Savannah Bass Pro Shops. Its powered by a 115hp Mercury Optimax He ran up on a sandbar this weekend. After getting off the sandbar his temp alarm went off and he realized he sucked some sand up in it while getting the boat free. He got it home, flushed it for short periods on his driveway until the sand popped out. He saw sand come out of the return. Now, when taking the motor over 2000rpm he gets the alarm within about 30sec of getting on plane. Any ideas or suggestions? I'm thinking there is still sand blocking it up there somewhere...possible? and how to get it out?...or should he even jerk with it. It is under warranty but Savannah is a 2 hour drive from here and apparently he has to take it there..(seems odd to me.) on a side note..for all those guys who steer clear of used outboards cause they're so troublesome....this just goes to show- there is no troublefree boat motor. sh!t happens.