How to test your water pump

sfelts

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 17, 2009
Messages
34
Ok, don't have my boat out yet. If I put the muffs on and start the engine should I see the water come out of the pee holes in the top of my engine? Should it be a steady stream? I just want to make sure that it is working before I waste my time and money on engine repair.
 

rockyrude

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
1,120
Re: How to test your water pump

When was the last time the impeller was changed? If more than two years, do it now before the season and you won't risk failure mid-season.
 

Nandy

Commander
Joined
Apr 10, 2004
Messages
2,145
Re: How to test your water pump

Ok, don't have my boat out yet. If I put the muffs on and start the engine should I see the water come out of the pee holes in the top of my engine? Should it be a steady stream? I just want to make sure that it is working before I waste my time and money on engine repair.

Well, not really.... Some motors does not have the tell tale port we are accustom to, specially those evinrudes in the early 70's. Some mercury motors do pee but it is not a strong stream. It all depends on what you have. If this is a new to you boat my recommendation is to change the impeller as it should be changed every 2 to 3 years. Some people never change it until they get a hot alarm or they can visually notice a change in the stream strength. That should not be your gauge... it is around $25 and your motor and safety is depending on it....
 

sfelts

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 17, 2009
Messages
34
Re: How to test your water pump

Ok thanks fellows. I will hook the muffs back up and see if I get anything. The boat and boating is new to me. I will try and find the impeller on-line as I have no idea when or if it has ever been changed. How hard is this to replace? I will search the forums and see if there is a guide.
 

rockyrude

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
1,120
Re: How to test your water pump

if you haven't gotten it, get the oem manual for it, it'll save you tons of time.
 
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