Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... SOLVED!!

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

If im reading this right, you are actually saying that its really not likely to be the water pocket covers, but more the water pump as we indicated before. No offense taken...

Absolutely. BUT, you can look at the water pocket covers and look for problems when you have the drive apart to check the pumps. Post some pictures so we can see what you see.

 

[trevtt600]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

I will post and take some pictures when i get the boat on the trailer.

One thing i just remembered but forgot to mention. Whenwe ran the motor, then shut it down after we saw the bubbles, the water level kept dropping in the clear hose. Almost like it was draining out of the drive. Would this mean anything? Or was i creating a suction from not running the motor but dragging the drive through the water? Make since?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Maybe, maybe not. You need to pull it apart and inspect. That's what a marine tech would do. Problem is, we usually know what to look for. If you can look at something and not know it's not right, it makes it a real problem to find for someone a thousand or more miles away that can't see it.

 

[trevtt600]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Yep. I understand. Might not get to it till next weekend, but we will see.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Not a problem, just update this thread when you get more info.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Actually it's 14 hours between you and I,

Splitting hairs now Don...

but that's not the point. Point being, how often do you loose 2 water pocket covers at the same time on a twin engine boat, after doing major bellows and pump work by the same person that is a DIYer ? (no offence meant trev )

Did he say the air problem started at the same time, or did he say they were both doing it? Could have happened to both engines at different times.. I'm not saying it's likely, but I am saying it's possible... And if he's pulling the drive to check the water pumps, it would be absolutely insane NOT to check them.... And having read my speal he'll have a better understanding of what to look for... Yes?

Chris........

 

[trevtt600]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Splitting hairs now Don...



Did he say the air problem started at the same time, or did he say they were both doing it? Could have happened to both engines at different times.. I'm not saying it's likely, but I am saying it's possible... And if he's pulling the drive to check the water pumps, it would be absolutely insane NOT to check them.... And having read my speal he'll have a better understanding of what to look for... Yes?

Chris........

Chris: Both engines act the same way. Only had boat a month and have had the problem the whole time since I have had it in the water. Reason we are thinking water pumps is because that is the only thing i changed on both drives that could be cause the same symptoms at the same time. And i stupidly did not replace the water pump base when i installed the new impellers. I will definitely be inspecting the water pockets. Last thing i want is to pull the boat, replace the water pumps, and have the same issue only time find bad water pockets.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

.... And i stupidly did not replace the water pump base when i installed the new impellers. ....

Nothing stupid about that.... Unless the bases need replacing, don't. Pulling them out can introduce more problems... If you do pull them, be careful about getting the new ones in right, and the seals sealing properly... As I said, unless the bases are damaged (melted due to overheat, or worn) don't remove them....

Chris......

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Splitting hairs now Don...

Not at all, what's a couple of hours between friends, I checked a long time ago just because I was curious.

Did he say the air problem started at the same time, or did he say they were both doing it? Could have happened to both engines at different times.. I'm not saying it's likely, but I am saying it's possible... And if he's pulling the drive to check the water pumps, it would be absolutely insane NOT to check them.... And having read my speal he'll have a better understanding of what to look for... Yes?

I agree, and lots of unknowns, but if you look at reply #21, you will see I said he should look at them as a possibility for problems.

Oh, and trev, I consider Chris a good friend (even if I do seem to pick on him), and genuinely respect his knowledge and experience on these engines and drives. Like I said, post some pictures of your drive when you get it apart.

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Cant wait to hear the outcome of this one.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Cant wait to hear the outcome of this one.

You and me both....

And Don, it's 15 hours now...
(do your little IP trace thing and work out where I am now....)

Chris....

 

[trevtt600]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Re: Mercruiser 4.3L clear hose test FAIL... But why?

Well guys, problem solved!! Achris was correct. When we lowered the lower part of outdrive down, the rubber gasket/seal from the water pocket cover was **** eyed on the copper tube. When i installed the lower to the upper, the copper tube must have got kiddywompas when it went into the water pocket cover. We inspected the water pocket cover and reinstalled the seal, replaced the water pump since we had it off, and reinstalled. Ran the starboard motor to 4200 rpm, and temp did not rise over 158!!! I'm stoked!!

On the port motor, we found a kinked water intake tube. We removed the tube and cut 1.5" off, and reinstalled. Once again, replaced the water pump and reinstalled. Ran motor to 4200 rpm, and overheat.... got back to the dock, and removed risers. 100% blockage at the output tube of the riser. New exhaust kit has been ordered, and am very confident it will fix the port motor overheat issue. Just had poor flow and circulation. Once new exhaust is installed, will report back. Am very pleased with results today.

Thanks again for all help and look forward to many hours of proper cooled engine boating!!