tell tale hole

[jessie11]

1992 MAriner 150hp V6<br /><br />When flushing the motor on muffs it takes about 3 to 4 minutes to get water out of the tell tale hole. When running in the river at full throttle and all other ranges it pumps all right. Is this normal? Water has steam vapor coming off of it when it exits the tell tale hole. Any help is appreciated.

 

[andy6374]

Re: tell tale hole

I have an 88' 200hp V6 merc. With the muffs it takes a little while for water to shoot out the tell tale, but only ~ 5 seconds. <br /><br />Have you measured the temperature of the cylinder heads? Get some thermo sticks and make sure your engine isn't overheating.<br /><br />Is you overheating alarm going off? Do you have good water pressure flowing throughout the engine. Maybe your water pump or impeller are damaged. <br /><br />I am by no means an expert, but these are some of areas I would start with.

 

[jessie11]

Re: tell tale hole

Thanks for the reply. I am going to replace the water pump. Does anyone know how the shift shaft comes apart and does it need to be in a specific gear? I am getting a manual but payday is aways off.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: tell tale hole

I keep it in neutral... It will separate just above the lower unit to drive shaft housing connection... Splined shaft, just slips apart...

 

[bassinhound]

Re: tell tale hole

I may be mistaken, but this may be normal. If that motor has a thermostat, it may take a couple of minuites to open up. My Merc 150 does the same thing when I use the muffs.<br /><br />By the way, it is a good idea to replace the water pump impeller at least yearly, especially if you operate in brackish water.

 

[jessie11]

Re: tell tale hole

Thanks for the great info. I read they have thermostats at 143 degrees, but my water discharge just seems weak. I am going to change out that pump.Thanks for the help.

 

[jessie11]

Re: tell tale hole

Got the manual to replace the water pump. Have a question. When I go to drop the lower unit the manual says to have the gear in neutral. When I go to reinstall it the manual says to put the gear in forward and install the lower unit. Why is this? Would I be in the wrong gear upon restarting the engine? It is a clymer manual. Also how do you get the speedometer hose apart?<br />Any help is appreciated.

 

[jessie11]

Re: tell tale hole

bump

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: tell tale hole

The "tell tale" should show water almost immediately after starting, irrespective of thermostat operation .. I think you're on the right track looking at the water pump.

 

[rocks]

Re: tell tale hole

When I replaced my pump I left it in nuetral and had no problems at all.Just make sure you remember to put that lincage(sp)cable back together while lifting the lower unit back in place.It is a easy thing to foget.

 

[boaterhead]

Re: tell tale hole

Allright, I replaced the water pump with one I bought from a Mercury dealer. Installed it in about a hour, easy job. Upon starting the engine it still does the same thing. Takes a while to get water out of the tell tale hole, but it is not running hot. The water tube was clear, I guess maybe I will change thermostats next. Any ideas?

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: tell tale hole

If it works fine when the boat is in the water, it should be OK, but it's still a good idea to change the thermostats, & the poppets also. Have you checked that you have enough flow through your hose when flushing, or turn the water on for a couple of minites before starting the engine. Did that engine come with a flush port in the rear of the engine, you can get a quick connect & flush through there without running the engine. A water presure is also a good thing to have on the dash, could save a lot of trouble in repairs. Good luck, Joe