15 hp gamefisher failing after 3 minutes then starts normal

[Eli.yr]

i bought a used boat with 15 hp gamefisher outboard. The motor starts from the first pull, i did all the required maintenance , new spark plugs, changed lower unit oil , greased all the moving parts. Took it out to the eater, the engine runs for 3 minutes then it dies.
U han hear hissing sound from overheating and the engine starts notmally after 5 minutes and a couple of gas pumps.
The bolts in front of the spark plugs are leaking oil. Not sure what is happening.
Anyone's input is much appreciated.
thank you

 

[fishrdan]

i did all the required maintenance , new spark plugs, changed lower unit oil , greased all the moving parts. Took it out to the eater, the engine runs for 3 minutes then it dies.

Did you change the impeller in the lower unit? Sounds like it's overheating and seizing a piston, maybe.... Either way, if you don't know when the impeller was changed last, it needs to be changed, 2yr maintenance item.

I would also rebuild the fuel pump (diaphragm kit) as they were not ethanol rated, and prone to leaking, rupturing.

The running for a couple minutes, then dying, could be a leak in the fuel system, quick disconnect sucking air. Pump up the tank bulb until it's firm and hold pressure, then inspect for a leaky fuel fitting, wiggle it. I've had this a couple times on my Gamefisher/Force, sputters out while running WOT. Though, when it happens, I can grab the bulb and pump it up again, and it will keep run for another 30-60 seconds, milk it along back to the dock.

Fuel tank vent open?

 

[Eli.yr]

fishrdan Wow thank you so much! Fuel tank vent is open.
no idea if impeller was ever changed, i believe i will be doing everything you mentioned, would this be a DIY level? Or should a marine mechanic do this?
i appreciate the insights!!

 

[fishrdan]

It's DIY stuff, depending on the persons abilities and tools. Fuel pump is easy-cheesy, couple of screws and fuel lines, and the housing comes off, replace rubber parts, reassemble. (Take pictures of how it came off/goes back on.) Hardest part of the fuel pump is some (1?) of the screws isn't accessible at a straight 90*, it's off at an angle a bit, but still doable with a good screwdriver.

The impeller isn't bad, unbolt the lower unit, un-do shift rod so the LU will drop all the way, then remove a couple bolts to remove the water pump housing. I don't remember if it's this OB or another I had, but DON'T pull up on the LU's drive shaft, or it could pull out of the LU gears, and then you have to take the prop seal housing off to get the gears back into place...

Probably $20+- in parts for both repairs.

 

[Eli.yr]

fishrdan Dear friend,
i appreciate all your tips to fix my outboard. I had the chance to replace both the impeller and the fuel pump kit. Motor runs like a champ.
the impeller was melted inside the water pump and water wasn't coming up to cool the system, therefore it heats up and shuts off.
thanks again i appreciate all the help.