Re: Running out of water
KEP,<br /><br />You really want to get some hands on guidence from someone who knows. The good news is that there are a lot of folks out there who would be happy to show you, and it is not that hard.<br /><br />To help your curiosity and answer your questions, when you want to run it on land you use a set of muffs. These are rubber suction cups that connect to a garden hose and slip over the outdrive (assuming this is an outdrive).<br /><br />The water is sucked up through a grill, or openings, located at the bottom of the drive. Inside the drive is an impeller pump that pumps the water up from the lake through the engine.<br /><br />Also, you never run the engine with the drive tilted up. I suspect you might have an OMC, perhaps a cobra. The shifting is done at the bottom of the drive. As a result the shafts are always turning, and you don't want to put strain on the gimbal.<br /><br />It also sounds like the engine may have been sitting for a while. In any case you should ask yoursel a number of questions. How long since it has been run? Was the engine winterized before it was stored? When was the last time the impeller was changed?<br /><br />If it has been a long time since it has been run you will want to check a number of things. If the impeller is old you will want ot replace it. (If you have the OMC cobra drive it is easy). <br /><br />Don't be discourged. It may sound like a lot, but it's not that bad. A boat takes maintenance, and a little effort. But the maintenance you put in before you get on the water will repay you with fun on the water.<br /><br />Give us more details. How much experience do you have? What make/model is the stern drive? How long since it has been run, etc. Be specific, don't worry about too many details. The more you give the more accurate your answers will be.<br /><br />Just take your time, ask your questions, and get someone to show you if you are confused.
