Re: Low water PSI..Mercruiser 5.0 MPI with Bravo 3
While I have to agree that more investigation should be made, I also have to report that having been in the same position, a through hull water pick up was our final solution.
In our case, the engine mounted pump could not seem to self prime when the boat would first go in the water. We changed the impeller, when that didn't work replaced the whole pump. Coincidentally at the start of the season the drive had come off for a gimbal bearing replacement and we replaced the bellows, trim pucks and water pick up to take advantage of the drive being off. even with all that the problem would just not go away.
Finally, I had the through hull and a strainer put in and instant success.
It is interesting that the water pickup hose is like 3/4" diameter, and Mercruiser specs a 1.25" dia through hull and strainer when you go the through hull route. As a side benefit if you add an extra valve and tee you can end up with an improved flushing port!
While I have to agree that more investigation should be made, I also have to report that having been in the same position, a through hull water pick up was our final solution.
In our case, the engine mounted pump could not seem to self prime when the boat would first go in the water. We changed the impeller, when that didn't work replaced the whole pump. Coincidentally at the start of the season the drive had come off for a gimbal bearing replacement and we replaced the bellows, trim pucks and water pick up to take advantage of the drive being off. even with all that the problem would just not go away.
Finally, I had the through hull and a strainer put in and instant success.
It is interesting that the water pickup hose is like 3/4" diameter, and Mercruiser specs a 1.25" dia through hull and strainer when you go the through hull route. As a side benefit if you add an extra valve and tee you can end up with an improved flushing port!
