1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

[batman4279]

I purchased a 1985 50 hp evinrude. When I got it from the guy he started it and it was pumping water nicely ( steady stream of water). It was sitting for about a month. Now that I have it on my boat and installed, no water is coming out at all. I have the rabbit ears hooked up with a garden hose around the water intakes. I was just wondering to see if anyone had any suggestions?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

Hi Batman

If you're referring to the telltale not putting out, run a piece of wire up through it to clear it out. Many times they get clogged up from critters making nests in there,,,

 

[batman4279]

Re: 1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

Yes it is the tell tale, I will try running the wire through tonight. Should I be concerned about damaging the engine by starting it and it is not pumping water? I only start it for a few seconds to see if it is pumping.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

Is it shooting water out the relief ports on the back of the leg? If so, you should be Ok.. Keep an eye on it and feel the head to see if it's too hot to keep your hand on for a few seconds. If it burns you, it's too hot...

 

[91cajun]

Re: 1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

If the thermostat(s) are stuck, I believe there will not be any water coming out of the relief ports on the back. At least with mine, the water doesn't start coming out of the relief ports until the engine warms up a little. I bought an infrared temp gun to check the temp on the heads because the finger test was inconclusive for me. I have two similar engines and the finger test for me was the same on both. One was over heating and the other was running at the spec temp.

One more thing, do you have the proper cups? You probably need the ones that put water in both sides of the intakes. The cheaper cups only put water in on one side and are made for smaller engines.

Also, check the hose inside the cowling going to the telltale. If it is disconnected or spraying inside the cowl due to a cut or hole the telltale may not show. Is there a drip, dribble or any water at all out of the telltale?

 

[batman4279]

Re: 1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

Nothing at all out of the telltale. I will have to check again to see if there is any coming out of the relief ports. The guy who sold it to me was using the ears that supplied water to both sides of the leg I think. I am using the type that just supply the one side.

 

[batman4279]

Re: 1985 50 hp evinrude not pumping water

I stuck a small finishing nail into the telltale whole last night. That did the trick. Some kind of dark yellowish substance was blocking it up.