Is the motor expelling enough water?

[ethelwright]

I have a 80 HP Merc , 1987 model . Tonight when I was at the marina where I keep it I decided to start it up and let it run for a while .I try to do this every 2 days for the good of the motor, plus even if it is too ugly to go out on Lake Superior at least I get to smell the outboard smell and be on my boat. I noticed that at first the stream is not very strong but after a while it gets stronger . Is this normal? This is while the motor is at idle , not on the lockout at higher RPMs .

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

When first started all motors need the water to lubricate the impeller, so yes it takes a little while to get the full stream going. A impleller should be changed every few years just to make sure it is still in good shape. <br /> Not knowing your situation of not wanting to take "too ugly to go out on Lake Superior" if the liitle while is over 15 to 20 secs. then it might be time to change the impeller. If over that the definitely have it looked at if possible. Do not keep running if it takes longer than 30 secs. to see a stream. <br /> I see you are on the Canadian side of the Lake. From My side in Minnesota I would need a 800 hp. to go out on the Lake(coward that I am.)

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

Ethel.<br /><br />Starting every 2 days is not at all neccessary, but every 3-4 weeks will keep the oil up to the moving parts and get some water in the impeller.<br />The 1987 80 may.. have a thermostat, and that would cause the variation. At the marina, is the leg always submerged, or is the boat removed from the water ? BTW I TOTALLY know what you mean by the "Outboard smell" being the end of winter here, I have not been out for a while and miss the carbon monoxide in my lungs..

 

[ethelwright]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

I am sure the impeller was done last year. The stream is weaker at first then it gets stronger and there is never an absence of water coming out. I always watch the stream , even when under way as I don't want to fry my motor. If there was no stream I would shut off the motor right away.The leg is always submerged at the marina . Ordinarily I trailer the boat but this year due to major surgery my parents rented me a slip at the marina so I could enjoy my toy frequently.The boat is always in the water this year and I must say unless I am going to another lake I will keep it there . Once you get a slip you don't give it up as there is a wait list for slips . When I am out on the water I noticed the stream is stronger . I just wanted to know if the initial stream is supposed to be weak. I thank both of you for your input as it really helps me to run questions by experienced boaters .

 

[Outrage 19]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

I'd be willing to bet the difference is due to the thermostats opening up and allowing more water to flow through the system.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

"Experienced Boater" No..., But Experienced iboater.. maybe <br />You now just need to find out whether your motor has t'stats (My 50 4cyl does not). If it does, that will be the cause. It's not a bad practice to keep the leg in the water. It will keep the impeller moist.Just beware of the marine growth.<br /><br /> http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/collections/index.cfm?fuseaction=collectdetails&colid=01

 

[ethelwright]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

I went out this morning with my mom for a spin in my pride and joy. It was my 81 year old mom's first time in the boat and she really enjoyed it . I watched the water output and it increased as we went farther so I think it is a thermostat that opens up as the motor warms up . There is never a time when no water comes out .. Now I know it is OK . There is so much I don't know as I have never owned a boat in my life. Thank you for the info.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

Ethel.<br /><br />Stick around on here and you will learn a lot. I am also new to boats, but not to mechanical things and motors. The advice that I have taken from here is the reason why my boat is still running, and by reading through the posts I am able to be of some help to others.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Is the motor expelling enough water?

remember starting a motor is the worst thing for it. all parts are not lubricated and cold. I can see every few weeks...I am on lake erie and I know the feeling...I probably start mine once a week....