Merc 115 inline 6 water tube and lower unit probs

[Bob37814]

Heres one for Clams if interested.....Changed out my water pump impeller today, now I cannot get LU back on because if misalignment of the housing and water pump tube. Theres like zero space in there just before it meets the housing. Whats the best course of action????

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Merc 115 inline 6 water tube and lower unit probs

Not really sure what you mean by "zero space" but that's not how the tube is supposed to get engaged into the pump.

What's supposed to happen is, there's a thin plastic "guide tube" that's inserted into the top of the water pump in the same hole that the water tube goes into.

The guide tube doesn't seal anything, it's a slip fit into the pump. The guide tube will freely slip over the copper water supply tube.

When you reinstall the lower unit, before the gap closes up too much between gearcase and exhaust tower, the guide tube engages the water supply tube.

It then guides the tube down to the pump as you're bolting up the lower unit. The water tube slides right into the rubber grommet in the pump body.

If you don't have a guide tube installed, it's extremely difficult if not downright impossible to get the water tube lined up perfectly to engage the pump.

Here's a parts breakdown showing a guide tube for Inline 6. Same part # for all Inlines:

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...683&bnbr=190&bdesc=GEAR+HOUSING+(DRIVE+SHAFT)

Piece # 36 in the illustration; Guide Sleeve, Water Inlet Tube: 23-29804T

HTH...........ed

 

[rightcoastrob]

Re: Merc 115 inline 6 water tube and lower unit probs

i just did one of these and had an issue to but it was the shifter that wasnt alined.the lower unit jumped into reverse for some reason and the spline wouldnt line up held me about 1 inch from closing the gap with the lower unit and the powerhead. u may want to check this also.i have 2 of these motors and ive never had an issue with the water tube lineing up.but i figured id throw in my 2 cents and thats about all its worth to .....

 

[Bob37814]

Re: Merc 115 inline 6 water tube and lower unit probs

Ed....I got one for ya. I went back to the parts shop where I got my impeller and gaskets, The gentleman remembered me from yesterday tossed me the guide tube and said, Son, I knew you'd be back for that and laughed like crazy. I told him thats EXACTLY what I was back after. He also told me that he shoul have mentioned it to me when I bought the impeller. Good man tho, Didnt charge me one red cent for it.....Thanks alot. Just got in from work fixing to tackle this thing....Appreciate your help friend!!!!!