Normal behavior from water pump?

[f4igrad]

I have a 1973 Evinrude 50 hp engine. The only way that I know how to tell if the water pump is working or not is looking at the very back of the engine where there are a few small slits, water runs out of there when the engine is running. I noticed today that when I opened the engine up a bit more (say 3400 rpms or so) I didn't see any water coming out of the slits. When the engine is running at 3000 rpms I see the water just fine, same with when it is sitting at idle. Is this normal behavior? I am paranoid that my water pump will give out sometime when I am running around the lake and the engine will seize. Any ideas?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

If your water pump hasn't been rebuilt in the last five years, it's way overdue no matter what. Having said that, once the boat is planing, most to all of the water goes out of the prop. It's not unusual for the water to stop coming out of the relief ports then.

 

[f4igrad]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

ok, thanks a lot. so if it is coming out of the relief ports when the engine is at idle, then it sounds like the water pump is functioning? I have bought a new impeller for it that I am going to put in when i go in to swap out first gear and the clutch dog, but I have been putting it off because i am a bit intimidated by the project.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

Most will come out of the exhaust(Prop) when at speed...

 

[f4igrad]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

that kind of sucks, how will i know if my water pump fails?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

at the top of the motor where the thermostat goes there is a plug. Pull the plug out and put a barbed plug in it. Run a hose from the barbed plug out the bottom of the engine cover. You will have to drill a small hole. When the water pump is working fine you will see a good stream of water out of this hose. If it stops pumping you won't see water.

 

[f4igrad]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

hmm, interesting solution. so even when the boat is at speed, i will see water out of this hose, though i won't see it out of the relief ports?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

yes. not my solution people been doing it for years.

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

Another idea, is to install a water pressure guage.

That way once you get new pump installed.

You can keep an eye out for sudden pressure changes .

That may indicate a weak ,or failing water pump ,in the future.

If you wait for the tell tale to quit spitting water , it'll probably be too late.

Reminds me of the idiot lights, on vehicles.

They usually come on ,right when the motor overheats , dies , etc.

Often , too late to prevent , the problem.

From causing , a breakdown.

KYhunter

KYhunter

 

[1959_FDR]

Re: Normal behavior from water pump?

Just another idea here......

Have you thought about an engine temperature guage?

John