LouC wrote:
You have a lot of pressure building in order for that to happen, I'd check the thermo housing first, take it off and rod out all the passages in it, and test the thermostat to make sure it opens at 160 or so. You might even find old impeller parts wedged in one of the thermo passages. If you still have the same problem, check the risers and manifolds, if they clog this is possible, but they'd be getting really hot as well. These open (raw water cooled)systems by design do not build up a lot of pressure, they are dependent on smooth and rapid coolant flow to keep the engine and exhaust from overheating.
+1
When was the last change of the risers? There is really no other location that would block water from leaving the engine besides the exhaust manifolds/risers and the thermostat housing. These items can be removed and checked with a garden hose.
It is not the lower unit: Any blockage in your lower unit would prevent enough water from entering...therefore would lower the pressure, not cause high pressure.
All water pumped into the engine must flow out through the exhaust manifolds/risers. This is true weather the thermostat is open or closed. The thermostat only controls how much cold water goes into the engine (and allows hotter water to go to the manifolds). Cold or hot...all the water exits through the manifolds/risers, and if they are causing that high a pressure build up, then it is time to change them. Hint: you should be able to squeeze the big 2" water hose even when the engine is running. It can be a little firm, but if it is very firm then the water flow is too restricted.
_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings