Water Tube Falls out

[79Starcraft]

I am new here and I have a problem with my 1977 Mercury 700 (3 cyl) concerning the water tube from the water pump to the powerhead.<br /><br />It does not want to stay connected to the powerhead when I put the lower unit back in. Is there a seal that holds it in at the powerhead?<br /><br />What I do first is push the water tube into the hole at the power head, then slowly put the lower unit on and I make sure the bottom of the water tube goes into the water pump. But no water comes out of the tell tale when I run the motor on the muffs.<br /><br />I know there is no obstruction in the power head or the tube and I just replaced the whole water pump(gaskets, seals,base and bottom and impeller).<br /><br />Any suggestions?<br /><br />Chris

 

[Trent]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

Sounds to me like the water tube inlet sleeve is missing?? Its item number 40.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Mercury part number 23-23651. Cost 3.92

 

[79Starcraft]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

I do believe I have that piece, but how does it go in, do you have to pull the powerhead or does it go on the top end of the water tube before you insert it.<br /><br />Chris

 

[chillinjc]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

hi;<br />maybe not the same problem but possibly some insite. <br />today I tore off my lower unit on my 1989 150 v6 three times because my tell tale was showing no water. kept believing my pickup tube sleve was not sealing or stayiong in place. Finally decided to run water through the pickup tube directly with a hose, still no water. Blew through tell tale, no water. Finally I decided to remove my thermostat and have a look. I never saw a more clogged stat in all my life. removed thermostat reassembled and viola! fresh tell tale water. Maybe not the same exact engine but perhaps the concept is the same? the tube may be sealing fine, just clogged further up the line. hope this helps.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

Not familiar with that particular motor but a few things come to mind. <br />1) If you are careful when installing the lower unit and make sure the water tube is engaged in the pump housing, there is no where for it to go once the lower unit is bolted in place. I suspect it is connected properly. <br />2) Are you waiting for a minute for the water to get pumped to the power head ?<br />3) I have had two instances where mud dawber wasps have plugged the tell-tale tube at the opening with mud.<br />4) As mentioned by chillinjc, have you checked the t-stats ?<br />Sometimes the simplest things cause us the most grief.

 

[79Starcraft]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

Rod,<br /><br />Already checked for clogs, there are none(Ran water through the tube with a hose and had no problem). And there is no t-sat on my model of Mercury, the water should pump within seconds.<br /><br />When I did remove the lower unit after trying to run it there was water in the drive shaft housing. As far as my reasoning can only be the water tube out of place or the water pump is not working(very unlikely).<br /><br />So I hope someone can help because I have had the LU apart at least 6-7 times now.<br /><br />Chris

 

[jimalsk]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

Have a '81 50hp that had the same problem,pulled the lower end to replay water pump and tube fell out. After fumbleing for a few days trying to put it back on I pulled the power head. Saw that (part #40) had two small bolts,screws missing that attached to the power head. After finding suitable screws I put a small ammount of blue rv sealant on part 40 and attached it to the powerhead. I also put a dab of rv sealant on the screw heads. My thought was that vibration had loosed the screws and fell out. Anyway after putting it back together ran it and it peed astream a race horse would be proud of.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

Was everything working fine before you pulled the lower unit to do the water pump ? Are you certain the impeller key was in-place when you installed the impeller over the drive shaft ? <br />My motor does not have a t-stat either but it takes about 15 seconds before I see water at the tell-tale. Seems longer than that when you are waiting for it.<br />Are you able to look up into the drive shaft housing with a flashlight ? Are you able to see where/how the water tube connects to the power head. Should be an oblong housing fastened to the power head with 2 screws and the water tube is secured within this housing with a rubber bushing. Does the water tube stay connected to the power head when you drop the lower unit or does it fall out ?

 

[79Starcraft]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

First before I did the water pump there was no stream when I started the motor, then when I took apart the lower unit I found that the water pump was bad. But I am certain that everything in regards to the installation of the new water pump was done correctly. And I did run the motor for more than a few seconds, but there was still no stream.<br /><br />I can see exactly where the tube goes and each time I put the lower unit back together I put the water tube into that hole using a flashlight to see where it goes, then I put the lower unit in after the tube is in place and then I guide the tube into the water pump housing outlet.<br /><br />The water tube does not stay connected when I pull the lower unit, it comes out with the lower unit and is connected to the water pump.<br /><br />Does this mean I have to pull the powerhead and fasten the tube to the powerhead? Because I would rather not have to pull the powerhead.<br /><br />Chris

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Water Tube Falls out

Well this is beyond my scope at this point. If you are confident the pump is put back together properly then it sounds to me that the tube is probably staying in place when installed but is not sealing at the power head. Maybe a seal missing at the top end. Hopefully someone with more experience can help you out. If you provide the s/n for the motor I can send you links to the relevant parts diagrams that may be of some assistance. Good luck.