Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

[rough123]

Hello Guys

I'm new to the forum so please bear with me if I appear a bit confused:

The problem with my Mariner 6 is that when running slow it stops peeing water from the indicitor nozzle. This happen whether in neutral or in gear. At slightly faster running speeds the water jet appears normal but once I slow to an idle speed the water jet gets very hot and starts spiting before turning completely to steam. I used it last year several times in the sea and it was fine but I never got around to flushing it out in fresh water at the end of the season. I have been running it on and off in a tank of fresh water for several days now and it stars and runs fine at slightly higher speeds than idle. I have poked the nozzle with a piece of wire and some grit (crystalised salt) came out and in past years this has been enough to clear it out. I am concerned that it might overheat when I start to use it again and give me another set of problems.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the problem and recommendations on what to try next.

Thanks in advance

rough123

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

Sounds like it's time for a impeller change,they do curl over from setting and you can toast one just by getting into some sand.I would change it out It's good insurance

 

[rough123]

Re: Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

Thanks ENSIGN for the quick response. I changed the impeller 3 or 4 years ago. I have had her running this morning again and the problem seems to be getting better. Now the water jet only gets hot when running her in gear at a slow speed but in neutral at idle speed it is fine. Could the salt be clogging the impeller? and is it difficult to get at the impeller to clean around it? Should I continue running it on and off to see if that clears it?

Thanks again for your help

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

Your water pressure is never going to be constant. It's going to be less at idle speed the pump is turning slower it's normal but you should still have something comming out of the telltale

 

[oldgradywhite]

Re: Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

A good rule of thumb is to change the impellor every two years if used in fresh water and 1 in salt water. Good insurance for a part that doesn't even cost 20 bucks!

 

[oldgradywhite]

Re: Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

That motor should have a constant flow even at idle. Look and make sure water is coming out of the exhaust.

 

[rough123]

Re: Mariner 6 (1985) water pumping problem

Thanks again ENSIGN, I will get the impeller changed.

Checked the exhaust oldgradywhite and no there is no water coming out of the exhaust, just exhaust fumes. Not sure if water ever came out of the exhaust. Does that indicate another fault?