1972 Chrysler 85 HP Impeller question

[Infinite Monkeys]

Hi,
A little back ground first. I just got a new project boat. The boat is a 1984 Cajun bass boat. It has a 1972 Chrysler 85 hp engine.

I took compression readings and they were 15, 18, 25, top to bottom. appears to be a good engine. It was running pretty rough when I got it. So far I've replaced the plugs, rebuilt the carbs and replaced the impeller. I'm having issues with adjusting the carbs, but that's for another time.

Right now I'm trying to figure out why the impeller is not working properly. I tried it out yesterday right after installing a new impeller and gasket and it was pumping out water like it was straight from a hose.
Today, it looks like the impeller is barely working. I have the lower part of the engine in a container of water and the intakes are submerged.

I don't have any real experience with outboards. Spent most of my adult life wrenching on vehicles. Outboards and how they work is new to me.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Stop----Explain what you mean by compression numbers posted.---To me a 15 , 18 , 25 mean nothing.---Numbers like 125 PSI mean something.-----When testing in a bucket the water should be 6" ( 15 cm ) above the impeller !!-----Hopefully you have not damaged the new impeller.

 

[Infinite Monkeys]

Stop----Explain what you mean by compression numbers posted.---To me a 15 , 18 , 25 mean nothing.---Numbers like 125 PSI mean something.-----When testing in a bucket the water should be 6" ( 15 cm ) above the impeller !!-----Hopefully you have not damaged the new impeller.

Opps, sorry.
Numbers are 115, 118 and 125 PSI.
And I am not 6" above the impeller. That'll be next.

Thank you.