Do I need a new thermostat???

[DuPont Spinner]

I have a 1996 Suzuki 9.9hp two stroke engine. Just a second or so after starting the engine I get a good flow of water from the water pump port, but the pisser seems somewhat weak, just a strong dribble. No matter how long I run the engine, the amount from the pisser stays the same. Shouldn't the flow get a little stronger when the thermostat opens? Thanks in advance for your responses. DuPont

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Do I need a new thermostat???

To be sure remove the thermstat and heat it in a pot of water and measure the opening temp with a cooking thermometer and verify that it opens completely. The other possibility is that it is time to replace you water pump impeller which may be elderly and tired. If you have never replaced the impeller on a 1996 it is overdue even if the engine has low hours as the rubber has a shelf life of about ~3-4 years regardless of use.