1989 50HP Impeller problem

[tigerhunter]

Hey all,

I added a tell-tale to my motor last year and everything was great. My last trip out the motor stopped peeing above idle. I put it up for the winter and just replaced the impeller last week. The old one was dry-rotted and cracked.

I put everything back together and started it up. (in a big bucket of water, not muffs) Now it won't even pee at idle, and water is leaking out of one of the four bolts that holds the lower unit. I tried to tighten the bolt but if I go any tighter it will strip or break. I searched and read that there is no seal between the two.

Could this leak be why it is not peeing and should I just take off and reset the lower unit?

I am lost and don't want to run it too long without it peeing. I have a big trip planned for saturday and have school and work both full time and could use some help.

Thanks in advance,
Trevor

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1989 50HP Impeller problem

Make sure the bucket is deep enough. Water level should be about 12 inches above the cavitation plate for the pump to prime properly. If that checks out OK, double check to make sure the water tube is properly seated into the water pump. Sometimes it's difficult to get it lined up properly to seal. Unfortunately you have to take it apart to check the water tube.

 

[wickware]

Re: 1989 50HP Impeller problem

I can see my water tube connection on my 1970 Chrysler 35 HP through my snout on the bottom of the leg. OR! Through a window if I use a longer bolt if needed. The gear linkage disconnected on the side of the motor allows me a little more window if needed. I hope you can see the connection through the snout if needed. See attachments enlarged:

Good Luck!
JOW

 

[tigerhunter]

Re: 1989 50HP Impeller problem

I think I probably didn't get the tube lined up correctly, I will have to try to re-seat it tomorrow if I get a chance. I also took the thermostat off and it looked in rough shape, one part of it was bent and there was no trace of water in there at all and I had just run it.

So my next steps are:

a)replace thermostat
b)re-seat the leg/lower-unit to match up the water tube

Thanks guys,
Trevor