Impeller looks good but now water flowing

[extramile]

1969 55hp outboard. The impeller looks good but there is no water exiting the lower unit while running. The "hot" light came on and I immediately shut it off. I pulled the thermostat after it had cooled and started it up again. No water was present in the thermostat area. Any ideas what this means? It all started after running through a few sand bars. Is it possible there is a clog somewhere? If it is how do I remedy it. I can't find anyone in my area who will work on an older motor. Thanks.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

Remove the lower unit and install a new complete water pump assembly.

Before re-installing the lower unit (and make sure the water tube(s) are aligned properly), Blow out the water passage UP the tube and DOWN thru the thermostat area.

Note..... The thermostat must absolutely be installed when running that engine.

 

[extramile]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

Is there something that goes bad other than the impeller? What does the kit contain that may be affecting the water flow? Thanks for the not about the thermostat. I will not start it up without it again.

 

[extramile]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

What is the best way to blow out the lines. I'd immagine with an air compressor. If so, any tips on getting the air nozzle to seal around the pipes?

 

[mudd_mickey]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

Where does the water exit if it doesn't come out of the lower unit? You could always run it with the thermostat removed and see if water pours out. Is your tell-tale clogged?

 

[extramile]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

I already tried running it with the thermostat removed. It was dry as a bone. No water to be seen in that area while running. The 69 Johnsons did not have a telltale. I believe the water is supposed to exit around the propeller area. I see no water exiting anywhere when it is being run. Can an impeller look good to the the eye but still be bad? How do I know if I must replace the Impeller or the entire pump / housing area?

 

[buddyholly]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

When you ran it was it in the water or on a hose with muffs? If it was on a hose the water pressure should have had water coming out the therm. housing even when not running. It sounds like there is a plug in the system. You could even put the water hoseon the therm housing hole and seal as well as possible and try to get water back down the leg out the intake for the water pump. My intake was actually full of those damn asian lady bugs and i had to shop vac them out before I could get it to pump. And that was just one winter setting.

 

[F_R]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

If the water pump housing has wear, replace it. The newer ones with plastic housing and SS liners last much longer. Maybe you already have the plastic one???

Are you running it on a boat or in a bucket? Pump has to be submerged before starting the motor.

 

[extramile]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

It was submerged in a lake for these findings. I will replace the pump and housing. I will also make sure that water flows through all passages before re-assembling the lower unit. Does it sound like I am missing anything? Some one had mentioned possibly sand could be stuck near the intake? How do I clean that area out and is there possibly any screens or filters that could be plugged? Thanks for all the help. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate it. I have 3 little boys anxiously awaiting being able to spend thier summer fishing and boating. (myself also).

 

[Walker]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

When you drop the LU this time stick a water hose on the water tube in the mid-section and see if water gets up to the T-stats. Visually inspect the water tube as much as you can also for cracks or a bad grommet at the top.

 

[hartnetthere]

Re: Impeller looks good but now water flowing

I had an Evinrude that overheated, although the impeller looked fine. Only after very close inspection, since I was confused why it wasn't working, discovered that the stainless ring inside the impeller was separated from the impeller, allowing the ring-not the impeller to turn. My advice, change out the whole darn thing.

good luck, hartnetthere.