1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

[dchami]

Folks, hypothetically, what would happen if a pump ran dry... what's most likely to happen<br />first, would the impeller collapse or wear first<br />or would the engine overheat and sieze. <br /><br />I guess, I'm trying to find out if it is possible for the engine to overheat due to lack of cooling water without affecting the water pump / impeller.<br /><br />thanks, Danny

 

[72 mako 19]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

the engine will overheat and lock-up and then go KABOOOOM!!!

 

[dchami]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

I understand.. that's what I would expect. But what would the process be? Would it be a systematic failure where the pump fails, or the impeller wears out, then eventually the motor gives in after some time, or could the motor overheats and dies, while the pump would remain operational?

 

[72 mako 19]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

when you say pump is operational. does it mean water is going through or you are running the engine while not in water or attached to a garden hose? <br /><br />Engine will go first, pump could still be operational but it will stop working as its mechanics are directly connected to the turning of the engine.

 

[superman]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

Hi Dannyboy: Thermostat can go bad, water intake can get clogged. Different things can happen to damage the motor, thats why it's important to periodacilly look back at the telltale and keep your maintenance up on your engine.

 

[Bear]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

Check this:<br /> http://www.brokeboats.com/drypump.html

 

[the machinist]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 80HP, what if pump runs dry??

A year ago I purchased a used 1980 70hp Johnson. When looking at it before purchase, I asked the seller how it ran, he reached over & hit the ignition without the motor connected to a muff. I said to turn it off as it will hurt the impeller. His response was that it ran OK for the other prospective buyers.<br /><br />Needless to say my offer was less than he was asking.<br /><br />When I pulled it down to replace the impeller, I found that 3/8" was worn off the ends of all the vanes. Upon further inspection this chewed up rubber was plugging the thermostat.<br /><br />He was only letting it run for a short period of time that did not allow the motor to heat up, but there was no water lubricating the impeller vanes inside the housing. This just burned them off.