Overheating at idle is often the water pump. It may be wearing out and not
delivering enough water at low speed. When you go faster the rpm make up
for the worn out water pump.

"oneslikfish" wrote in message
oups.com...
My outboard overheat alarm goes off when backtrolling for a short
period of time. After 5 mins or so it runs fine again and the alarm
never sounds when running at normal speeds. Where should I start a new
water pump the thermostat or a clogged passige way. Im in a bad spot as
salmon season opens tomorrow. Even if I can get the parts today is
changeing the water pump to much to tackle for an average joe at home ?
Any advise or help I would apreciate as Im obligated to friends and a
10 year old boy to fish tomorrow morning.