1998 90hp Johnson no water in thermostat

[rothfm]

Racerone is correct, telltale simpily indicates the pump is spinning and supplying water to the "INITIAL" water path

The tell tale by no means indicates water is circulating at all. You can have a completely blocked powerhead and have a good pee stream.

It can be confusing unless you understand it only shows impeller output "TO" the motor.

 

[oldboat1]

...meaning, the impeller is pumping water like it should, as indicated above. Flow circulates up through the tube at least up to and out the tell tale. Need to clear a blockage, but replacing or reinstalling the impeller wouldn't likely be a fix.

I would first find a way to flush it out with some water pressure, starting from the top. Open the t.stat covers, particularly for a salt water motor, pull out the thermostats and flush it out -- think you were moving that way. Recommend some fresh water flushing under low to medium pressure.

 

[Anderj85]

Replaced thermostats and everything is good. That was my initial impression, but after removing the hoses from the thermostat housing and not finding water in there, i was concerned it may be something else. Then, after remembering that outboards are designed to DRAIN everything made sense. Talk about an Aha moment. Sorry for my ignorance lol.