1989 Evinrude water pump question

[Bobby Autry]

Hello everyone,

I have a quick question. My buddy was telling me I should keep my motor in gear while going down the highway to prevent the prop from spinning. Reason being is because the water pump will burn up. I thought when the engine was in nuetral that yes the prop will spin going down the highway but the water pump will not be affected. What do you guys do when you tow your boats down the highway put it in gear. This is the first I have heard of this. Is this something I should start doing?

 

[Walker]

Re: 1989 Evinrude water pump question

You are right. You buddy is goofy.
The waqter pump is on the driveshaft which is disconnected from the prop shaft when its in neutral. If the motor isn't turning then the water pump isn't turning.
Even if the impellor was on the propshaft, wind from going down the highway wouldn't turn it anyway.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1989 Evinrude water pump question

Hi Bobby............I don't recall ever seeing a boat being trailered down the highway with a 15+ lb. prop spinning away? And I've seen some people pulling them at a pretty fast clip. I think your friend is pulling your leg. I'd agree to disagree............ d ...................ALAN

 

[ob]

Re: 1989 Evinrude water pump question

Your buddy is mistaken.The waterpump is attached to the driveshaft ,which in neutral is disengaged from the propshaft.Only thing that spinning prop is doing while running down the road is keeping gear lube distributed on the lower unit internals.

edit: woops.The other fellas beat me to it.8)