9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

[tmosgood]

First, I just wanted to say what a great forum this is - I have never heard of it before and after searching some of the threads, it seems like many of you are knowledgeable, regular people.

That being said, I have done my homework and searched this forum (and others) for an answer to the problem I have - still, I have questions, so please bear with me.

I just purchased a 1979 Evinrude 9.9 2-stroke outboard, model 10924B, serial#06656. I replaced the plugs, changed the gear oil, ran it with new fuel. Started on the second pull, accelerates and planes nicely. I used to have a older 1960s model of the Johnson 9.9 so I am somewhat familiar with these engines.

One glaring problem, however, is that there is zero water coming from the "pee-hole". I tried using a paper clip to see if there were any bugs/debris, nothing. There is a slow drip, if anything, and that is it. Now when I ran it, the engine never seemed to overheat (and I ran it wide open for about a minute or two). I idled a bit, reversed, etc. but it still did not overheat (at least not to the touch). Still, there was no stream coming out. Now on my old Johnson, all that would come out of that same pee hole was a sputtering of water, nothing more, and it ran fine for years.

I have read some posts/suggestions that if there is water coming from the two holes at the middle of the shaft then it is OK not see any water coming from the pee hole. Is this true? From what I've also read, it is not a good thing that this is happening and could severely ruin the engine. But with most marinas charging an upwards of $90 just for labor, I'd like to see if I could solve this myself.

How can I rule out if it is the water pump itself? What about a clog in the rubber hose? Should I start with looking at the thermostat?

Hopefully, I did not do any damage to the engine and I can get this fixed!

Thanks guys!

Tim

 

[Daviet]

Re: 9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

The tell-tale is before the thermostat, direct from the pump. Use a piece of weed wacker line a couple of feet long and insert it into the tube and work it back and forth and see if you can unplug it. You may end up removing the hose and cleaning the fitting itself.

 

[mnmx3]

Re: 9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

You could also try to blow compressed air backward through the tell-tale to try to dislodge a blockage.

 

[dazk14]

Re: 9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

You've got cooling water out the exhaust relief ports and head is not hot to the touch...so you've got the very common occurrence of a plugged tell-tale- which doesn't affect cooling ability.

Daviet and mnmx3 have given the solution. We always use shop air, but you may not have air and nozzle. Clearing it while running tends to work best.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

Also a common problem is not getting the leg deep enough in water. Make certain the leg is well submerged when running in a barrel. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[raczekp1]

Re: 9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

also bad upper water tube gromet, placed just under powerhead is a common problem

 

[kbait]

Re: 9.9 Evinrude 1979 - Tell-Tail Problems?

When cold starting in barrel, no water should initially come out the 2 exhaust ports you refer to. After 15seconds to a minute or more, a bit of water (not a stream) should start coming out of them after the thermostat opens. If this is the case, you powerhead is being cooled correctly. You probably then have an indicator tube blockage. If not at the nipple itself, it's likely at the plastic connector to the powerhead itself where the tube from the nipple originates. If you dismount the powerpack, you can get at it pretty easily. Good luck!