Rubber pieces in outdrive water pickup?

[bobskilton]

I recently put my 1984 Century 19.5 foot Mustang ski boat back together (140HP Mercruiser I/O.) The outdrive was rebuilt in 2001 but the boat sat in dry storage until this week. I cranked up the engine and almost burnt the new motor up! I removed the water intake strainer and found about 10 small pieces of thick rubber...the impeller perhaps? I blew back through the water intake hose from the motor and it's not clogged. How big of a job to replace the impeller? Thanks for your help! Trying to stay !!

 

[easter85]

Re: Rubber pieces in outdrive water pickup?

Those pieces are your raw water impeller. Get a service manual for your motor. It is usually very easy to replace this impeller. Never ever start your engine without the outdrive in the water. Dry starts will run this rubber impeller instantly.<br /><br />Good Luck.<br />Robert E.