Merc 60 water pump question

[bkr_43050]

I am looking at buying a Merc 60 motor (1963-65 not sure on year). I ran it a bit in a barrel and it ran very well. However, the water flow from it is very minimal. I suspected the water pump impeller but the guy that I am buying from says that it was replaced just prior to him purchasing it and he has very little hours on it since. Therefore, I am suspicious of other causes such as blockage in the line. I know I have read about sticking a wire up in the pee hole to try and clean this out. What type of wire and is there any risk of damaging any of the line or anything at the other end?<br /><br />The motor also has a plug located just up from the pee hole that is labeled "Fresh Water Flush". I figure this is for flushing the system after running in mucky or salty water? I took this plug out and discovered that the hole is completely plugged with what appears to be lime or calcium from the water. I can scrape some of this out easily but should I use the wire trick on this as well? And could the blockage that I am noticing be caused by the area rather than the pee hole?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your replies.<br /><br />Brian

 

[gwmark78]

Re: Merc 60 water pump question

Have you tried the hand test on the exaust side of the powerhead while the motor is idling? Should be barely warm to the touch. If it's ok, you must be getting enough water. I would still drop the lower gear unit and check the impeller/ water pump assembly-it doesn't take that long. you can check and clean your flush plug out at the same time.<br />Gary

 

[bkr_43050]

Re: Merc 60 water pump question

The motor does not seem to bet getting hot as I have tried the hand test. My concern was that it may get hotter once I put it under load a bit. I want to run it a bit and determine whether it meets my needs. If so then I plan to buy a manual and replace the impeller myself. I have not done it myself but I have been told by several that this is a relatively easy task.<br /><br />I am still curious to know more about the fresh water flush port. I have not owned one with this feature. Would I make use of this if I am running the motor in clean fresh water or is it only to flush a salt water or mud and muck? And should I be concerned at this point that the hole appears to be somewhat plugged? In other words is the area I can see through this hole part of the regular path of water flow. And could this blockage be part of the lower water flow?

 

[erniex]

Re: Merc 60 water pump question

I'm in the process of replacing the exhaust cover, gaskets, etc. on my Merc850 1973. When I pulled the cover and exhaust divider plate many of the water passages where clogged with the same crap you see in your flush hole. Some locations had caused enough corrossion such that the exhaust plate was leaking through holes in it!This was certainly slowing down the flow to the pee hole as it's at the bottom where a lot of crap will collect. It was also reducing the water flow through the block.It could be a sign that the engine has not been properly flushed over the years, saltwater use, etc.

 

[bkr_43050]

Re: Merc 60 water pump question

Thanks for the heads up. It sounds like I definitely will want to get it apart and see what is in there.