3-1/2 Hp Air-Cooled Water Tube Question

[jallenlots]

Hey folks,

I've got the motor mentioned above and though I could run it right now, I just found a manual for it (thanks to some folks on these forums) and I would like to double-check everything before I put her into semi-normal service. This motor was my grandfather's so I would rather be safe than sorry.

I know the motor has a water pick-up tube just below the anti-cav plate. I know the tube is for cooling the exhaust housing. What I don't see in the part diagram is an impeller. Nor does it mention one in the manual.

Now I'm going to take a wild stab at it and say that because the tube comes out, curves and faces forward, it picks up water on pressure from the forward motion of the motor alone? Sorta like a pitot tube but for water? If this is the case I just wanted to clarify it with you guys here because on all of the other small air-cooleds I have, they are still equipped with impeller for exhaust housing cooling.

Also, what does the water tube connect to, and would it do any harm to run a piece of baling wire up through the tube to make sure it's clear before service? Would I be potentially harming anything?

As always, thanks a ton.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 3-1/2 Hp Air-Cooled Water Tube Question

Got this from Jeff at Laings Outboards.

You're right about the water tube. Your motor has no impeller and the water is forced up that tube to the top of the exhaust housing then it is dumped out the exhaust. It is a common system on the older motors

Jeff
Laing's Outboards

 

[jallenlots]

Re: 3-1/2 Hp Air-Cooled Water Tube Question

Thanks a million. I can now gladly put that to bed and put 'er on a boat without tearing into the lower. Cleared out tube with a piece of wire this morning (an unlucky honeybee was trapped in there) and I feel 100% confident about running it now.

Jesse