Tuning up while out of the water Q's:

[jimbarrt]

So, I'm trying to make it a little easier to start my 1989 Force 85hp. Seems to crank and crank. [primer bulb firms up nicely.] Ended up replacing a starter last year. It is overdue for a tune up, anyway, but if there are any general recommendations, please advise.
I was about to decarb the motor the other day, but with "water muffs" [or whatever they're called], it wasn't pushing any water. So I quit [quickly] before it got hot. Is it true that the water pump needs to be submerged with these motors?

Also, I plan on changing the impeller, and have some conflicting info. Some sellers list a wide variety of applications that all take the same part number, others show as many as three variations on the 1989, 85 hp alone. And, is it usually safe to just replace the impeller and gaskets, or should I replace the impeller housing, too?

I don't have a local marina to help me, so I will be ordering parts online, and don't want to have to deal with returns and shipping charges on wrong items.

Thanks in advance,
-jim

 

[paul88]

Re: Tuning up while out of the water Q's:

Removed

 

[JB]

Re: Tuning up while out of the water Q's:

What you plan are all good ideas, Jim. However: Do not remove the prop anytime you plan to run the engine and never rev it above about 1500rpm without a load on the prop.

Do not adjust anything without a load on the prop (in water).

 

[paul88]

Re: Tuning up while out of the water Q's:

Removed

 

[jimbarrt]

Re: Tuning up while out of the water Q's:

What you plan are all good ideas, Jim. However: Do not remove the prop anytime you plan to run the engine and never rev it above about 1500rpm without a load on the prop.

Do not adjust anything without a load on the prop (in water).

She's on the water now, and running OK. Have to wait til the "right time" to run the seafoam thru--when nobodys around to see the smoke.

Any ideas on the misinformation on the impeller part number, or numbers? Does one size fit all [all 1989 85 hps, anyway?] Or do I need to get back to the lake and get a serial number?

 

[john from md]

Re: Tuning up while out of the water Q's:

Search for parts on the Mercruiser web page. It has a Force section and you will get the correct impeller. My 85 85hp works fine with muffs. I think the key is that you have to have the correct muffs. Some don't cover the intake holes properly. I also put a telltail on mine to see how shes pumping. It is easy to do by running it off of the plug behind the thermostat.

Regards,

John