1974 Evinrude 9.9 Water Muffs Ok to use?

[SnakeEater]

Hello all. I am a brand new boater as well as a new member to the forum. I just bought a 14 jon boat with a 1974 9.9. Motor looks clean but has not been used for 3 years according to the seller. I am going to attempt to start it soon. Can I use muffs? The seller said that these motors need to be fully submerged in a barrel. Thanks.

 

[oldboat1]

I would go with the seller's advice on that. And ask him if he replaced the impeller recently (first on your list if in doubt).

You can't test the water pump on muffs (hose pressure pumps the water). You also can't properly make adjustments without back pressure. No revving. idle/high idle only.

(edit: that is, no powering up in barrel or on muffs. Check temp periodically -- should never be too hot to touch on top of head.)

 

[SnakeEater]

He pointed to the upper holes (red arrow) saying that muffs would not stay in place there. Everything Ive read seems to indicate the lower holes (blue arrow) are the ones you put muffs over. I didn't get the impression he was all that knowledgeable. My question is if it is okay to use muffs and to confirm where to place the muffs. I do not have a barrel. I just want to see if the engine will even start.

 

[oldboat1]

That would be the intake point (blue arrow).