1998 Mercury 200 hp tattle tale water line question

[sbklf]

My motor only p's water when the thermostats are open. I can see the water pressure gauge move slightly when idling so I can tell its pumping. Can I hook the tattle tale drain to the same hose as the water pressure gauge so it p's all the time? Or is it supposed to be connected to the t-stat line?

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1998 Mercury 200 hp tattle tale water line question

The best use of the tattle tale is as it is. If you wait till it pees before you can it out after a cold start, you'll avoid a cold seized engine.

Pressure gauge tells you all if you learn how it's supposed to act. A few lbs at idle, increasing to about 12 lbs at 2-3000 rpm, then a slight step back as the poppit opens, and increase to peak pressure (usually 20-25) at WOT. It gives you instant indication if you wrap a gob of seaweed, or over trim it.

hope it helps
John

 

[achris]

Re: 1998 Mercury 200 hp tattle tale water line question

You should be getting a small amount of water while the thermostats are closed. If not, check the thermostat vent holes aren't clogged. I drill a 1/8" hole in the edge of thermostat so a little more water would vent past them, and improve the telltale a little.

Chris.........