Cant get water from lower unit

[toplsvette]

Hello,
I just changed my engine (4.3l gen+ alpha1 lower unit) and cant seem to get water up from the lower unit to cool the motor. I put a water hose on the hose that feeds up from the lower unit to see if it blocked and it is not. Water came out the lower unit. I filled the block up through the water pump hose to see if that helped and to no avail. I removed the thermostat to see if it might be a defective and still no water.. Should the water come up from the lower unit and run out the prop without the engine running? Any help will be greatly appreceiated..

Eddie

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

When you start the motor you have muffs on with water going to it correct?

Put it in gear, does the prop turn? If no than the coupler is bad. If yes it does turn.

Post here and well figure out what the problem is

 

[Don S]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Should the water come up from the lower unit and run out the prop without the engine running?

No, the engine has to be running to make the pump work.
Start it up and give it a bit (15 to 30) seconds to get water flowing thru the system.
Somehow bet you don't have an Alpha I drive, with that Gen+ engine, probably an Alpha I Gen II drive.
What year is it?

 

[toplsvette]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

No, the engine has to be running to make the pump work.
Start it up and give it a bit (15 to 30) seconds to get water flowing thru the system.
Somehow bet you don't have an Alpha I drive, with that Gen+ engine, probably an Alpha I Gen II drive.
What year is it?

Thanks for the quick replys..
I have the muffs on it when I crank it up and yes the prop will turn in gear..

I have a 97 Regal Destiny 200 and just put a rebuilt 4.3L in it and was told it was a gen+ .. My old motor was a 2bbl and this motor is a 4bbl. I believe the motor I got was originaly in a 88 searay..

Thanks Again,
Eddie

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

When was the impeller changed last?

 

[toplsvette]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Chief,
To tell you the truth I dont know if it's ever been changed. I've owned the boat for 3 yrs and I've not changed it..

Eddie

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

My best friends name is Eddie i swear lives on long island. I'm gonna tell you as if you were him change it out. Its easy and probably will fix your problem.

And i will pray to the boat g-d's that the impeller is in one piece.

Good luck

 

[toplsvette]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Thanks for the info Chief..
I live in Navarre, FL and am retired USAF. I kinda thought it might be the impeller as I have tried everything else..

I will post the results of impeller change...

Thanks Again,
Eddie

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

U.S.A.F here also. Glad i could help.

 

[toplsvette]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Chief,
Just wanted to thank you again for the advise.. The impeller was in 4 pieces,
All there and no damage. It was a piece of cake to change.. All is good now


Eddie

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Glad you got it fixed and that a fellow USAF man could help. And thank you both for your service to our country. It enables us to sleep at night and enjoy our boats during the day. Safe boating, all. Hy

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Did you get all the pieces? I hope so, don't want you to have a overheat condition.

Someone saying thank you for my service.

I thank you for thanking me, better than those snots that spit on me when i got off the plane calling me a baby killer some 35 years ago.

 

[tarheelebbtide]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Chief, my dad had the same experience and it burns me up to think about it. Rational folks know that even if you don't agree with a particular military involvement, you still have to support the troops involved. They have about as much say in what goes on as I do sitting at home. Thanks again for your service.

 

[toplsvette]

Re: Cant get water from lower unit

Thanks for the replys.. That just kinda makes your day when someone else appreceiates what it takes to spend 20+ yrs in the military.

Chief,
Luckly the impeller was all there in BIG pieces..

I had the boat out all day yesterday and the new motor ran great. Everything worked as advertised.. It was nice having about 40 more hp as well.

Thanks Again,
Eddie