Water Flow Question

[kwoolard]

I have a 188 302Mercruiser, 1974 model. When running the engine on muffs I notice water coming out of two ports on the sterndrive. These ports are located just below the gimbal ring. Why is water coming out of these ports and not all of it going out through the exhaust? Is this normal or should I be worried about this?

 

[kwoolard]

Re: Water Flow Question

FYI...one port is on the starboard side and the other on the port.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Water Flow Question

Is your exhaust bellows connected?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Water Flow Question

hello<br /> its normal. they are idle reliefs. quit sweating and have a cool refreshing beverage:0

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Water Flow Question

I agree with Rodbolt they are totally normal. They are actually there as a drain, so that when you put the drive up pulling the boat out of the water you don't trap a couple of gallons of water in the lower exhaust pipe all winter.The other reason they are there is to let the exhaust escape at the transom at low speeds.If the exhaust came out the prop at all engine speeds ,the water pickup would be sucking in exhaust gasses and your engine would overheat.Especially in reverse, which is why you should never rev to the higher rpms for any extended period of time in reverse.

 

[kwoolard]

Re: Water Flow Question

thanks guys....i'll drink a cold one to that!