water-hole may be clogged

[Rattle-]

I'm not sure quite how to put this, but the cooling part of my 9.9 Johnson may be plugged.<br />Its a '76 SeaHorse, and puts out a fine spray at slow troll, and gradually puts out more water, as speed increases. But always a "spray"!<br />I'm assuming impeller is intact and working, but vent is clogged. Is there a way I can "unclog"<br />cooling chamber ? My first outboard, and am not real comfortable taking things apart. Although the guys at work say its no problem to lower the unit to get at it. I am lost !!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: water-hole may be clogged

Not necessarily. Most of the water goes out below the water, with the exhaust. You won't see a huge amount coming out that relief vent.<br /><br />Next time you take it out, run it with the cover off. After you've run it for awhile, put a finger on the engine block near the head. If you can hold your finger there for a few seconds, the cooling is doing just fine.<br /><br />As for the relief vent, try cleaning it out with a wire or something like that. Whatever will fit in there...wiggle it around.