Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

[gss036]

I spent most of my day fishing today and worring about the tell-tale not putting out much of a stream like it normally does. Just a sputter/dribble. I actually pulled the hose loose from the cowling freeing up the end of it and poking .80 nylon trimmer material in it several times. It would still just dribble. Not something I like doing while fishing in a strong tide flow. (I did have a fishing buddy with me), otherwise I would not be hanging over the back of the boat. I kept putting my hand under the tell-tale water to see if it was hot and it was not, only maybe 100 degrees, so I kept fishing. (not catching) When I got back into the harbor at the wash down, I used (80# water pressure) a hose with a spray nozzle and forced water into the tubing for the tell-tale until I had a a good flow of water going thru the engine and out the exhaust. I then fired it up with the hose disconnected from the cowling and it sprayed water out 4 feet or so with really a strong stream. I have said all that to preface this question. Since the tell-tale come off the lower left side(facing the rear of the engine) of the block at the bottom, down from the thermostat housing. Does the tell-tale water come through the block or just routed through the plate to the bottom?
I had thought about pulling the thermostat out, but I did not think that would have changed anything. Can someone explain the water flow to me.

 

[hondon]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

That tell tale is a comfort item and can be a poor reflection on how the cooling system is operateing.You have'nt mentioned if this is a 15a or 15d.Completely different engines with completely different formats.The big ? is are you getting hot?

 

[gss036]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

It is a 15A and no, it is not getting hot.

 

[gss036]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

>>>>BUMP up hoping for an answer.

 

[hondon]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

That water flow at the tell tale is partially on the way out.Most of that water exits at the exhaust and you can't see it.Cooling water comes from the pump and surrounds the cylinders with some going past the bypass in t stat houseing into the exhaust baffles to cool the exhaust.You already stated that with the hose removed from the block you have a more than adequate output and are not getting hot.There is nothing between that block and the output.

 

[gss036]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

Honda, I said it was peeing like a race horse after I did the back flush, after returning to the harbor. Even on the water with the hose removed, it was just a dribble, but not overheating. I think you answered my question about the water going out the exhaust. It is strange that the pee stream would come from the bottom of the engine block, but whatever works is all that matter. Thank you.

 

[Ed Johnson]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

Have 15HP 15D with similar problem. Religiously flushed after each use in salt water. Good stream.

Fired it after 3 months and no stream. Engine below carb is too hot to touch. Used 40 PSI hose on stream hose, but did not correct problem.

Your thoughts?

Ed

 

[gss036]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

ED, pull the thermostat and check for salt build up, have a spare gasket on hand in case you need it. Remove the theremostat and completley clean to hole and spray water in there. Did you have the hose loose from the lower cowling when you tried to blow back through it?
Might be time for a water pump impeller, they do have a tendancy to gain the bend and hole it thus not pushing much water.

 

[Ed Johnson]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

thanks for response.

had hose off when water from garden hose was used

trying to get shop manual in case I have to replace pump

is thermostat accessible without too much difficulty - where's it located?

 

[gss036]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

Top left side, 2, 10mm nuts. No reason to have a shop manual for the water pump, it is pretty straight forward.

 

[hondon]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

As a quick and easy inspection ,unscrew those 2 water pickup screens on the gearcase and tell us how many rubber particles fall out.

 

[Ed Johnson]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

thermostat housing shows evidence of salt particles but no blockage.

found black pieces from impeller when screen was removed.

incredible - only one year old and I ran fresh water thru after each use (owner before me did not, and he used it in salt water for three months before selling to me)

what bolts need to be removed to drop unit to get at pump?

mucha gracias from Ed at tip of BAJA

 

[gss036]

Re: Tell-Tale on BF15 HP Honda

I ran my Honda 15 about 6 or 7 hours on Saturday and it peed really good all day, then I just started it a little while ago on the muffs and worked good. I sprayed everything dwon with WD-40 and wanted to make sure it ran afterwards.
I still have to play with the wires sometimes to get it to start, but after the initial start, it runs all day and starts every time.