FW cooling. Does drive need to be engaged to pump water on Alpha ?

[Homerr]

I have a problem getting water to my cooling system. It has a freshwater system.<br /><br />I'm not familiar with this type of system.<br /><br />After much reading on the internet, I've learned that there is a pump inside the stern drive?<br /><br />This may sound silly, but does the drive have to be engaged before I can move water into the engine?<br /><br />If so, then why does my newer Alpha 1 gen 2 engine NOT have to be engaged? I can hook the garden hose to it, and it pumps water right out.<br /><br />With the older Alpha, I hooked the muffs up, turned the water on, started the engine and NO water in exhaust manifolds.<br />I did not try and engage drive, simply because I could not get it to. I think I have a rusty cable or something. (Of course I immediately shut the engine off when I didn't see water coming out)<br /><br />Also,<br /><br />What are your opnions on replacing the drive's pump and seals since it's been sitting so long (approx. 9 years)?<br /><br />I think that's a no brainer on replacing it!<br /><br />Can a backyard mechanic do this job, or whould I leave it for the pro's ?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Rob

 

[crazyray]

Re: FW cooling. Does drive need to be engaged to pump water on Alpha ?

the drive should circulate water anytime the engine is running.....the pump in outdrive is toast....pretty simple fix if you have average mechanical ability......get the manual for your engine......you can get a idea how hard it will be to change your shift cable while you are there......if you have a mechanic do the cable then the pump will be easier to do while he is in there doing that.......I myself would do both......after careful reading of manual.