1975 Merc 500 question

[oba97]

I started up my outboard that hadnt ran in probably 5 years. It started up on the second try...pretty happy about that! Here's the problem, I didnt see any water spitting out (I had water turned onto the 'muffs') so I shut it right down. Does it take a while for the water to start pumping or does it need to be in gear before it will pump? Before I pull the lower off and look at replacing the water inpeller I thought I'd ask.

 

[Alumarine]

It should pump all the time the engine is running. It might take 5 to 10 seconds for it to start spitting out.
Check to see if the tell tale line is plugged.

 

[Chinewalker]

If it's been sitting for 5 years, I'd plan on replacing the impeller, regardless. They take a set when they're not used and will pump less effectively...

 

[oba97]

ok, thanks for the tips!

 

[emckelvy]

Another way to tell if you're getting water circulation thru the powerhead, when you're not seeing a telltale, is to feel the exhaust manifold cover on the port side of the powerhead. If there's no water flowing, it'll get hot-as-a-pistol really fast. The cover should be cool-to-lukewarm at most, when running on a flusher or in a bucket.

Now go change that impeller!

47-89993 or Sierra 18-3007.

Plug the Sierra or Merc P/N into the iBoat Parts Search under the "Boat Parts & Accessories) tab and you should find it quick.

Cheers.........ed