How can I tell if my water pump is working?

[FrankTheTank74]

I have a 1996 mercury 200hp outboard motor on my boat. I cranked it up yesterday for the first time this year after changing the impeller and was listening to it and just checking it out when i noticed there wasn't water coming out the top spout. Is this normal after letting it run for about 15min with muffs on it and temp gauge showed 30? Could it be that the muffs are not getting that much water up or maybe the thermostat are stuck closed. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How can I tell if my water pump is working?

When you first start it up, you should see the water get sucked into the motor. It will come out the prop and gratings above the antiventilation plate. After the motor warms up, it should come out the telltale as well. of course, idling on a hose may mean it never warms up, so maybe no telltale will be present.

 

[FrankTheTank74]

Re: How can I tell if my water pump is working?

Yeah that's what I was thinking a hose don't let it warm up plus it was from a well water that is really cold. I didn, t have a bucket big enough to put the lower end into. So I guess I will know when I drop her in the water. Thanks!

When you first start it up, you should see the water get sucked into the motor. It will come out the prop and gratings above the antiventilation plate. After the motor warms up, it should come out the telltale as well. of course, idling on a hose may mean it never warms up, so maybe no telltale will be present.