How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

[scb2377]

Is there any way to know if the impeller on my outboard is in good shape and enough watre is circulating thru the egine to cool it down, without taking the power head off and doing all the work? I have just installed this ebay purchased second hand Johnson 88 SPL, took it on the lake yesterday and seems to be working well. It is circulating water, I can see the jet of water squirting frm just under the hood. But since I burnt the previous motor, despite the fact it was circulating water... just want to be cautious. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Dennisanoka]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

You don't have to take off the power head you just need to drop the lower unit. I did on mine even though it was puming water just fine and the pump housing was in terrible condition and the impellor itself was due for replacement. I would suggest getting the manual to help you thru the process and it will come in handy the future "projects". You'll need to know how the shift linkage rod disconnects.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

the pee stream in the indicator, that the impeller is working, it does not necessarily mean it is cooling the engine, the thermostat open to cool the engine. the best thing is to check the temp sensors to make sure they are in working order, and the horn sounds. i have a 1988 88spl. and you do not have to remove power head to service the water pump, you disconnect the shift linkage under the carbs, and drop the lower unit.

 

[Walker]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

Always, I repeat, always put in a new water pump kit in a newly acquired used motor. No exceptions.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

And replace the thermostats.

 

[iwombat]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

If you're asking this question, it's time to replace the impeller.

 

[rndn]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

Great last comment, if you're asking this question then replace the impeller. Words to live by.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

scb2377, if you can touch the cylinder head with your fingers after the engine has been running for a few minutes without getting burned, it's not overheating. Not very sophisticated, but effective. Outboards typically run around 140 to 150? F, so it should feel very warm to the touch. You don't have to take anything apart either. An alternative is to use a handheld pyrometer or non-contact thermometer to measure cylinder head temperature.

 

[scb2377]

Re: How do I know my impeller is good withou tearing apart the engine

OK, just finished installing a new impeller kit. Fortunately had a friend help. Thank you all for the advise. The impeller was still in good shape, but the casing did have some minor damage... one side was of the platsic casing was bent and broken... Lots of dirt and grime, some sand, so was definately worth the $40 for the kit and 3 hours it took to put it on, mostly figuring out where the impeller key goes! Hooke up the bunny years and started motor. Water flow was strong, ran the motor for 6-7minutes and was still able to touch for a few seconds the heads.

I did spend an hour afterwards trying to open the two scres on the lower unit to change the oil, eventualy managed that too. "Cadet" is now going to retire and get some zzzzzzzs. Next, I need to make up my mind what to do with that rotten transome, I do want to get some fishing done before it snows here in sunny Buffalo, NY!