How hot can a 2 cycle get before damage?

[Caymaniman]

Hello All,
I have a 200 hp OX66 which I recently purchased. To test the engine I hooked it up to a "single" feed rabbit ear and ran the engine. It started like a dream. Two cycle engines rock!

After starting the engine I stepped out of the boat and decided to leave the engine running for about 15-20 minutes keeping an eye on it making sure it was pumping water.

When I went back into the boat I noticed the overheating alarm so I turned off the engine. When I checked the surface temperature on the block it was around 220 degree F.

I now know I need a "dual" feed rabbit ear for Yamaha outboards and good water pressure for it to keep the engine cool.

My quest is: could running the engine at idle with temperatures over 200 degrees with some water pumping through it damage the engine?

Thanks..

[boats.net]

The overheat alarm activates at 183-194 degree's, run a compression test to see all cylinders are even, probably will need to replace water pump may have damaged it.