Will trolling overheat water pump?

[Caldelta]

1970 65 hp merc outboard<br /><br />My plastic base plate for the water pump was slightly melted and leaked water into the lower unit. was this from trolling very slow and overheating? It's been fixed now but I'm afraid to run the motor slow for any length of time.<br />I did start the motor just a couple times QUICKLY in the driveway without the water muff<br />Thanks

 

[alcan]

Re: Will trolling overheat water pump?

Your motor should troll many many hours, for at least a year, depending on water conditions, sooner if the water is really silty/sandy before your pump needs service. It should be serviced at least annualy, wether you use the motor or not. As little as 3 secs. of dry running is enough to seriously damage your pump. No water to lubricate the rubber empeller and no water to cool the exhaust, hence the burned/ melted condition. Never never run an outboard dry. Water pumps are cheep, If you don't have a good one you can be in for a very expencice powerhead. Remember most outboards do not die, they are fairly sturdy machines. Most are killed by ignorance.

 

[trumpetbucks]

Re: Will trolling overheat water pump?

Alcan is correct. If you start an outboard with no water, you're damaging it as soon as it starts. Even better than muffs is using a large trash can or some kind of tank to get water completely over the intakes.<br /><br />Now that you have new water pump, just keep that in mind and you should be fine trolling for long stretches. Just go and enjoy the fishing!