very hot telltale stream

[jbel55]

the water coming out of my 1996 merc 15 h.p is sometimes strong and then almost non exsistant . It is also very hot to the touch is this normal

 

[achris]

Re: very hot telltale stream

What you are experiencing is normal for that engine. Merc changed it a bit later. Previous engines ran the telltale just as an indicator that water was flowing. Then in about 1995 they change the water flow so the telltale for that series of engine was the thermostat outlet. Hence the intermittent and very hot stream of water. The public didn't like it (I don't blame them!) and Merc changed it back. But there are still those engine around and unfortunately you have one.

That's not to say that it is a bad engine. The rest of the engine is the same as the ones before and after, it's just a pain about the telltale.

Chris........

 

[jbel55]

Re: very hot telltale stream

cpt chris thankyou for the heads up on my merc. First small boat and did not want to blow the engine .

 

[Boatnug]

Re: very hot telltale stream

jbel55,
I saw your entry and read it with extreme interest. I have an '81 9.8 Merc that exhibits the exact same symptoms. I'm hoping someone that sees your question, will read further (to my reply) and explain if a 1981 9.8 hp telltale stream that's hot and then near non-existent, is normal. The thermostat in my outboard had been removed, prior to my buying it this year. I too, am new to boats and outboards. I have the manual for the motor, but nowhere does it talk about what a "normal" telltale stream should look/feel like. Thanks for posting your question and giving me the opportunity to piggy-back on it.

Boatnug (Boat New-guy)

 

[achris]

Re: very hot telltale stream

Hello Boatnug,

Your engine is completely different, so don't take anything written on this thread to be of any relevance to you.

Firstly you should start a new thread for your question....
Secondly it sounds like you need a new water pump impeller, maybe more... And definitely get the thermostat back in the engine.... They are there for a good reason...

Chris..........

 

[Boatnug]

Re: very hot telltale stream

Thanks "achris". I posted a new thread and hope to hear from the many experts on iboats.

Love this forum!!

boatnug