Water Pump failure?

[Old Tyme]

I have a 1978 Mercury M-500 50HP that I winterized and stored for two years.
Tonight, I hooked up the muffs, hit the key, and within 20 seconds, she fired up and ran. What I didn't see is; no discharge of water from the motor cooling system.
I am wondering if the pump totally failed or if there could be a restriction in the discharge port??
When I put it up, it was working fine so I am wondering if due to it not operating for all this time, something happened??!!
Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Brian

 

[gregpro50]

Re: Water Pump failure?

Do you see any water from the exhaust ports? Sometimes from sitting for the off season and then started for the first time junk can collect in the telltale outlet. However, if you cant remember the last time the pump was changed its probably due.

 

[oldrock]

Re: Water Pump failure?

you can use weedeater line and snake it up thru the telltale hole. If it is plugged, it sometimes will clear it or at least tell you it has blockage. Just don't go crazy and snake it in too far.

 

[Old Tyme]

Re: Water Pump failure?

By "telltale", I assume you are talking about the little (or short) black tube near the top of the shaft housing on the right side of the engine, facing forward?
That is where I expected to see the steady stream of water come from when I started it.

And, I haven't had to replace the pump since I've had it but maybe it is time.

Thanks for the help!

 

[gss036]

Re: Water Pump failure?

Not familiar w/that engine, but what typically happens is the rubber for the impeler takes a set position from age and looses its' ability to make contact w/the housing, thus no water flow. May be time for a new impeller/pump assy. Most mfgs reccomend changing ever 2-3 years.
Most motors have a tell tale exit through the cowling, not a soft rubber hose.
The tube you see is probably for a speedometer.