Water stream from tell-tale hole

[BDub]

I just bought a 16ft procraft with a 115 mercury 2-stroke, an 81 model i believe, and i was just curious as to how long it should take for water to start coming from the pee-hole on the engine? <br /><br />It has a strong, steady stream once water starts shooting out, but it takes 5-10 seconds for the water to start shooting out after starting the engine. Is that normal?<br /><br />I always start it, and let it idle until i get the stream, but over time will this hurt the engine? should i look into replacing the impellar?

 

[paulgp6022]

Re: Water stream from tell-tale hole

Is the 5-10 seconds only when the motor is first put in the water for the day? How long does it take to come out if you shut the motor off in the water, then restart it? That time doesn't sound bad if it is the first time in the water of the day.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Water stream from tell-tale hole

Agreed. When the motor is taken out of the water it drains - all water in the water jacket, impeller and all runs out. When you put the boat back into the water, water makes it way into the lower unit and the impeller is submerged. Until the impeller spins (motor starts), the water jacket remains empty. The impeller fills the water jacket and all cavities before building a pressure and showing the tell tale.<br /><br />As the impeller is running in water from the very beginning, it is all OK.<br /><br />If your tell tale becomes weak or hesitates longer, you should worry and start chekcing the cooling system.

 

[BDub]

Re: Water stream from tell-tale hole

This happens every time the motor is shut off and started again. for instance, if i shut the motor off to get a skier in the boat, and its off for 5 minutes maybe....then i start it back, it still takes 5-10 seconds for the water to come out. But it has good pressure once it comes out. Its a nice, strong stream. Should i look into replacing the impellar anyway, just as a precaution? Or is there anything else i should look at???

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Water stream from tell-tale hole

Hmm. Sounds as if the impeller allows water to pass when the motor is not running. On the other hand it seems to perform ok when running. I'd keep an eye on it and replace it before next season.<br /><br />No serious worry right now, but keep in mind.

 

[BDub]

Re: Water stream from tell-tale hole

so the impellar keeps water in the engine when it shuts off, too. i'll definitely keep my eye on it, but i always glance back to the stream every 4-5 minutes or so when running anyway....(i learned my lesson on an old chrysler engine)....thanks everyone for your help.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Water stream from tell-tale hole

The impeller is a tight fit. If you put on muffs you'll notice that you can't flush the motor (the impeller again) until you start it.<br /><br />Your situation seems to be a somewhat worn but still working impeller - thus my advice.<br /><br />Sure - best practise would be to replace it right away but still, season is ending and if you take care it should be fine to do work before next season.