Impeller ...good or bad?

[mars bar]

I have a 1972 Johnson 50 ESL, In stead of the normal (pee tube) I was told that after the thermostat opens I should see a mist/ steam coming from the vent holes of the Patented blah blah blah thing that's just below my cowl. I don't like that! I like to see the stream coming from the cowl. How can I tell if my impeller is good? Wait for my engine to seize? One fella told me he drilled a hole and that told him all was good. Where, I don't know?

 

[crxess]

Re: Impeller ...good or bad?

Muffs, water turned on NO more than 1/2 turn(just enough to flow.
Start motor
High idle(Do Not Rev)
Should have good flow from prop area.

This way is used all the time to check I/O setups for water flow impeller operation

 

[lindy46]

Re: Impeller ...good or bad?

If it's spitting water from the exhaust relief port and you can touch the powerhead for a few seconds without burning your fingers, it's not overheating and impeller is doing its thing. Also, if you don't want to risk burned fingers, sprinkle a little water on the powerhead. If water sizzles and boils away, it is overheating.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Impeller ...good or bad?

You can add a tell tale for around $20. in parts and maybe an hour of your time. See the Engine FAQ Forum for Iwombat's ideas: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=222677

Factory part numbers are listed in the third entry if you want to use them.

 

[mike64]

Re: Impeller ...good or bad?

...One fella told me he drilled a hole and that told him all was good. Where, I don't know?

Sounds like the guy was talking about adding a pee hole-- Here's a post on adding a tell tale to older model Johnson/Evinrude motors:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=222677&highlight=adding+pee+hole

EDIT: darn, ezeke beat me by one minute