1963 Johnson 18hp Outboard won't pump water

[Fphishing]

I was given this with a boat I bought so I don't have much history. Engine startes and runs fine but does not seem to pump water. I have taken it apart 3 seperate times checking everything and even ran it without the T stat. Impeller looks good and all ports are clear. The tube is lined up properly. I poured water into the T stat hole and it found its way to the bottom. The first time I took it apart there was a small hose between the pump and the tube. It was not lined up properly and bent in half. I did not see a need for it so I did not install it upon reassembly. I have a manual but it is not very helpful. Any ideas?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1963 Johnson 18hp Outboard won't pump water

The first step is to install a complete water pump kit to eliminate any doubt.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 Johnson 18hp Outboard won't pump water

A small hose between the pump and water tube? What in blazes was that in there for? Is it some sort of shade-tree long shaft conversion? The water tube is supposed to insert into a rubber grommet in the pump housing. It can't work unless the water can get from the pump to the water tube.

I agree, don't be fooling around trying to do a half-way job. Put in a complete water pump kit which includes a new housing. You will have to get it from a Johnson/Evinrude dealer. But your troubles will be over.

BTW, put the thermostat back in.

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1963 Johnson 18hp Outboard won't pump water

Make sure the motor sits low enough in the water to submerge the water pump. Simply sumberging the prop and anti-cavitation plate is not enough. The waterpump must be under water to fill and prime, otherwise the impeller just spins and gets hot due to friction and quickly gets ruined.

 

[hammerhandle]

Re: 1963 Johnson 18hp Outboard won't pump water

I am restoring a 63' johnson 18 hp, with a short shaft.On mine the waterpump rubber grommet, plugs directly onto the copper tube running up to the upperwater passage . where there seems to be another rubber grommet. This coppertube will move slightly up and down, yours may be pushed up into the upper grommet to far and someone may have added a connector piece to compensate.
If you have a longshaft motor i would take the advice of the other re-plys.
Thats my 2 cents worth. This site has helped me tremendously on my rebuild and has saved me a bundle considering 70 dollars an hour labor.