cooling troubleshooting - really need your help!

[bulkleycorp]

Hi,<br /><br />Have a '70 6HP Johnson Seahorse 6RL70. Finally fixed my starting problem bad coil, but low and behold, the motor is not spraying any cooling water from the outlet. From one problem to another.<br /><br />Have the Clymer manual, but the version I have is not helpful in troubleshooting, nor understanding the cooling system flow.<br /><br />Here's what I did - checked the thermostat first - looked OK - took a handheld propane torch to see if heating the thermostat (off the engine...) would open the valve - it worked.<br /><br />I then ran the engine with the thermostat removed to see if any water would flow - nothing.<br /><br />So I assume problem is impeller/water pump. Before I removed, I checked for obstructions by pouring water in both holes where the thermostat is housed - water poured out of the hole where it ususally sprays, it also poured out of a stanless steel plate (with 2 small screws) located just above the cavitation plate on the port side of the motor.<br /><br />Question- what is this plate for? I also broke one of the screws taking the plate off - so i am screwed. Is this the water intake plate? I thought the water intake plate was next to the exhaust port - covered by a screen.<br /><br />Thanks!