Water coming from exhaust, Normal?

[trail-running]

Sorry if this a dumb question, I am new at this boating thing but learning fast from reading on this forum.<br />I have a 1993 Mercruiser I/O 4.3L LX Alpha One.<br />While running the engine on water muffs most of the water comes out the water outlets as I expect but I noticed there is also a steady stream of water out the exhaust through the propeller. Is this normal?<br />Or does it indicate a problem? How does water get in the exhaust? Thanks if someone can expain this.<br /><br />Also a family member,(16 yr old son), ran the engine without any cooling water for a minute. "Showing how cool the motor sounds to friends".<br />I have tested the water pump and it seems to be pumping OK but should I replace it anyway? I would like to try to replace it myself, if it's not too difficult.

 

[fseries]

Re: Water coming from exhaust, Normal?

perfectly normal

 

[bomar76]

Re: Water coming from exhaust, Normal?

Originally posted by trail-running:<br /> <br /><br />Also a family member,(16 yr old son), ran the engine without any cooling water for a minute.

The water pump and housing in the lower unit is fried if he ran it w/o water.<br />Period.

 

[Don S]

Re: Water coming from exhaust, Normal?

Since you have the Alpha I Gen II drive, he probably didn't damage the pump housing (It's stainless steel) but the impeller should be replaced. The pre 91 Alpha I drives had a plastic impeller housing and they would be damaged in that long a run. Also watch those rubber exhaust hoses attached to the exhaust elbows. Without water, they can burn up the inside and may blow out. Damage to the exhaust shutters is also another possibility.<br /><br />Here is a link to the Mercruiser Service manual for your drive.<br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf <br /><br />You are lucky, there is even one for your engine.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/18/18covr2.pdf