Water Inlet Screen Busted

[mjohnston7]

Looking for ideas on how to replace the screen that rests behind the water inlet holes on the lower unit of my 1992 70 HP Evinrude. They look to be plastic and I noticed that on both sides of the motor they are broken and could allow small things to go in. Really don't want to have to take the lower unit off just to replace a plastic screen. Any ideas out there on how to fix this screen of if it is even worth worrying about? What would be the possible scenario if something like a piece of grass or leaf were to go in there?

 

[reload]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

I really think I would fix the screens, the only way to do it is to drop the lower. I frequently pick up silt that sometimes clogs the pee hole. I'm sure that the silt contains undesirables that would be in the impeller if not for the screens.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

if your running on a pristine lake,you may be ok,running in a seedweed salt enviornment,you inviting trouble,you could suck crap right into the impeller,and then shoot some parts into your thermostats,causing you overheat

 

[mjohnston7]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

Motor is used in muddy saltwater (Virginia). Really don't want to drop the lower unit though so was wondering if anyone had any ideas for a way to maybe just attach a plastic screen on the outside of the holes with a adhesive or something. If I were to find a metal (stainless steel / aluminum) screen I could possible attach it with soder even. Any other thoughts out there? I'm hesitant to drop the lower unit as I'm sure it is more than just removing a couple of bolts to get in there.

 

[jl_photo]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

If it has been a while since you had your lower unit off you may need to replace your water pump any way.

I don't know what the manufacturer recommendation is but i have always been told to replace the impeller every 2 years.

the water pump is a very critical part. you could ruin your engine if it fails.

coat all bolts with an anti seize compound before re-installing.

( never use copper based anti-seize on outboard motors )

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

Go for it. It is not that much of a deal. Wise to get a manual though.

 

[mjohnston7]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

I'm the orginal owner of this motor and therefore can assure you that the water pump has never been replaced (15 years) or even the lower unit dropped. I'll start researching how this job is done. Guess it is time to buy a manual as when I looked at a diagram of the lower unit seemed to be a lot of parts down there. Look for a water pump post sometime in the future by me. While I have the lower unit off is there anything else I should check?

 

[F_R]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

Sounds like you are coming around to the idea of going in and replacing the screen rather than try to patch something on the outside. The water inlet is located with a lot of thought by the engineers to assure a positive water flow. Anything on the outside could mess up that flow and cause water starvation.

BTW, if you had seen as many cooked powerheads as I have you wouldn't let the pump go 15 years. Especailly in muddy saltwater. You might have a devil of a time getting the bolts out too.

 

[johnson1989]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

I agree, dont be lazy.. Just drop the lower and replace the water inlet. They are plastic and you can pick them up at any dealer. It should slide right down in the slot, just pull or break the other one out.

Here is some directions and a video regarding changing your water pump. If its been 15 years save yourself the hassel and replace the whole pump vs just the impeller. Usually getting the lower off is half or most of the battle. Make sure you have all the bolts out, check under the trim tab.

You can check your parts here

http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=e

Video is here

http://www.themarinedoctor.com/cgi-bin//YaBB.pl?num=1113876330

Good Luck

 

[mikesea]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

15YRS,You are a LUCKY person,I cant believe your impeller hasn't fallen apart by now.If you know how to use a wrench and sockets,you should be able to get it apart.HOWEVER,saltwater +time could give you fit with stuck bolts.There are 4 9/16 bolts that arre in plain site,see if they will come loose,then there are 2 more by the trim tab fin,1 is under it,so the tab needs to come off,a trickier job will be the shifter pin located under the bottom carb,if you have access to 1/4 drive swivel socket 3/8 size it makes the job much easier.

 

[jl_photo]

Re: Water Inlet Screen Busted

be certain not to break the bolts off.

if you can't get them off easily find a reputable marine mechanic. its cheaper to pay someone to replace the pump than to remove the broken bolts.

you can get a great penetrating oil called "PB" at walmart or the auto parts store. It works better than most oils.

you do not have to completely disassemble the gear case to replace the seals.

do the seal under the water pump first and then turn the lower unit upside down until you are finished. this will help keep the parts from falling out when you pull the prop shaft out.

put a thin cote of gray permatex anti seize compound ( auto parts store )on each bolt before re installing.

do not use any kind of sealant on any o-rings, just a little oil or grease.


good luck