Just asked the poster to clarify what he has.----Some folks may not be aware of the difference in lower units.----I agree the 2 cylinder lower units are not robust , not even strong enuff for the 50 HP motors.
???----Water is forced in by atmospheric pressure !!------Stick a clear plastic hose in the bath tub.------Suck on the hose.----It is atmospheric pressure that brings water up the hose..
It is so simple to pressure test these gearcases..-----So easy to make a pressure test device.----Had an Air Canada pilot here a while ago.-----Was making his own test device.----Nothing to it.
The pump is not self priming.-----Therefor the impeller must be submerged.-----When boat is moving the water is forced up to the impeller and the pump was primed on start up.-----
I cannot think of a 1996 model 40 HP that uses the ECONOMIXER set-up.-----Note---- there is a VRO system.----An ECONOMIXER system.-----And ACCUMIX system.----Used on various models.
Whenever a motor came in for recoil repairs I would ask if the motor was hard to start.-----Answer was usually ---YES.-----Owners get mad and become violent on recoils.
