A dumb question

[bigtom]

We just put a water pump kit in our 77' 200 pony Johnson outboard, Question is, Should we have water coming from the 2 1/2 inch or so holes right below the motor on the back side? If so if the thermostats were stuck could this cause it not to have water there? If not how do you know the pump is working? Thanks fellas

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: A dumb question

The holes to the rear and just above the cavitation plate are the thermostat relief holes. When the thermostats open, water flows out those holes.

Those other holes just below the powerhead at the back of the exhaust housing are exhaust relief holes. Sometimes water flows out of them, and at other time not. It depends on how good the inner exhaust housing seals are. One of those seals is that large rubber seal in the large opening at the top of the lower unit right in back of the water pump.

 

[bigtom]

Re: A dumb question

thanks, But how do you know if the pump is pumping water?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: A dumb question

You could install a water temperature gauge.

You could also self engineer a water telltale outlet such as the later models have. Others may jump in here and tell you how to do that.

Test the overheat warning system by having the key in the ON position (engine not running) and then ground out the heat warning sensors at the cylinder heads one at a time. The horn should sound off each time you ground either one. If not, find out why as that's the only warning you'll receive.

Without the water temperature gauge or the telltale outlet, the only way you'll know if the pump is working or not is by observing the temperature of the powerhead by feeling the heads.... or when that horn sound off.

 

[bigtom]

Re: A dumb question

So they dont have a Weep hole like the old Mercurys? Ill test the Temp sensors, I do notice that when it starts, or cranking it quits leaking around the sucktion cups thatputs water to the pump from a water hose, Thanks for the help

 

[snipe401]

Re: A dumb question

Remove the water line near the back of the outboard engine, and replace it with a clear plastic hose of the same diameter. Whenever the engine is running and your worried if it's pumping or not, just take off the cover and look. Water flowing through the clear tubing will be evident. Ten minute job, real easy.