Refilling engine H2O after draining

[rebars1]

I would like to run my engine while the outdrive is in the shop. I've rigged up a device to limit the water pressure from a garden hose attached to the water input connection at the engine. I want to make sure the engine water cavities are full before running it, but with the hose turned on, no water has yet come out the back. Does the water circulating pump have to be turning for the the engine to refill? What do you guys do after winterizing? 1971 Merc888 Ford 302.

 

[Don S]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

Raise the bow of the boat so the engine is sitting level, hook the hose to the port on the engine that connects to the transom shield, or just take the hose off the transom shield and hook your water hose to it. Turn the water on a little bit, and start the engine, turn the hose all the way on, no problem. That is how it would work with the water pump in the drive.

 

[rebars1]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

Thanks Don S. I've read in other posts here that the water pressure from the garden hose might be too high. Does the water pump control that? Or is that why to start with a little bit on then turn it up after the engine is started? Sorry about all the questions.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

Rebars, unless you are using a fire hose, I don't see any problem with running the hose at "full" both before and durring running the engine. Keep in mind that we are talking about exactly the circumstances that you asked about. If the outdrive was still installed, and your "muffs" sealed real well, and your drive impellor (water pump mounted inside of the drive) was new, it is possible that full hose presure might blow the seals out of the impellor housing, or disfigure the impellor.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

"What do you guys do after winterizing?" <br /><br />After winterizing we don't generally pump water back into the motor. It's removal is the main purpose for winterizing in the first place.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

In Cali it may not matter! I think he means, do you fill it with water before starting after the long winter rest? I fill mine with no tox antifreeze so I can just run it in the driveway. But if I totally drained it and left it dry for the winter, I think I would fill up the engine and manifolds with water before starting it to avoid air pockets. Maybe it doesn't really matter since the motor will fill with water pretty fast. Any thoughts?

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

Usually the motor fills up fast as said by lou.I just take the precaution of putting my hands at the back of the exhaust downpipes as it runs. It should warm up a bit as it has dry exhaust, but then suddenly cool down as the water starts to mix in. If it keeps getting hot then I shut it down and search for the cause.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Refilling engine H2O after draining

If the water pump impeller is good, the water usally will not circulate, if the impeller has a set or is worn out it will--Bob