Where does water come out of motor

[baheck]

My dad purchased boat that has a 1997 Merc Off Shore 200 hp EFI motor. He was running it today and didn't notice any water being ejected out of the motor while running. He is concerned that it is going to over heat since he didn't see any water coming out the motor it must not be taking any in to cool it either. I don't know where this motor would spit the water back out. We see some motors that look like they are "peeing" because the stream of water coming back out is so strong. Why would he not be seeing this with his motor? He is at the lake now with no internet access so he can't ask on his own.

Thanks for your help.

 

[gss036]

Re: Where does water come out of motor

There should be a pee hole indicator stream coming out of the right rear part of the lower cowling. They do sometimes get plugged. Use a piece of .80 trimmer line and run up it to clear it out. Chances are if he were overheating you would be getting an alarm of a constant beeeeeeping.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Where does water come out of motor

that stream is called a tell-tale or overboard indicator and is ONLY and indication that the water pump is pumping water. It has no bearing on whether or not the engine is overheating. Most of the cooling water exits the motor with exhaust through the hub of the prop. At idle, a fine mist of water may be seen from the relief ports at the back of the engine. On cold starts, the engine may also smoke a little bit through those ports.

 

[baheck]

Re: Where does water come out of motor

Thanks. I have an I/O and wouldn't see this stream (or at least never have) so I couldn't answer 100%. I figured it came out with the exhaust, but wasn't real confident so figured I would ask. I will tell him to try to unplug the exit hole for now. He ran it for over an hour and got no alarm and no problems (that he was aware of) so he/we figured everything was okay, but didn't want to chance it.

Thanks!