'58 Lark 35hp How long before it pumps water?

[DavesInvader]

Just fired up my Lark for the first time since a rebuild over the winter. Rebuild included a replacement lower unit & impeller. It fired right up for about 10 seconds before dying, so I suspect I have carb/float adjustments to make. But while it was running I noticed it was not spitting out any water from the telltale. I took off the thermostat cover and removed the thermostat. The water tube under the thermostat was totally dry, so I suspect I've got some issues with not having the right LU or impeller plate or an obstruction of some kind. But since I only ran it for 10 seconds I'm wondering if it just wasn't hot enough to open the thermostat, hence the no water. Before I tear into it again, my question is how long should it take before it starts pumping water up into the head? Ran it in a can of water with water a few inches over the top of the LU. Thanks!

 

[lindy46]

Re: '58 Lark 35hp How long before it pumps water?

You should see some water spray after about 10-15 seconds. But make sure you have the lower unit completely submerged in water. The water pump should be deep enough to be submerged or it won't start pumping.