possible water pump?

[ferdly1]

my neighbor has a 2004 40hp mercury 3 cylinder. When he cranks it up water squirts out peehole nice and strong. after 30 sec to a minute water trickles and almost stops. Is this a pump or thermostat issue.

 

[ShadowGrass]

Re: possible water pump?

I have a 2006 Merc 25 4 stroke that I purchased with a similar problem. The impeller was neglected, came apart and there was a piece up the water tube to the the powerhead had to be removed to get it out. I think it was actually pivoting in the tube and the degree of obstruction would vary.

If there are pieces missing off the impeller, I would consider where they went.