1993 Force 40 Horse Water Discharge System

[Powersite]

I recently purchased a 1993 40 horse Force Motor. It does not have a water discharge system on it to let you know that the water pump system is working correctly. Instead, the manual indicates to look for a small mist of water coming out of the idle exahust ports on the rear of the engine. On top of the Engine head there is a plastic fitting, if removed it will allow water to exit out the top. My mechanic suggested that we take that fitting out, replace and attach a hose routing the water to the hole that is available on the rear of the engine hatch. My manual shows the 70 horse motors are already set up like this, but the 40 and 50 horse motors you are just supposed to look for a mist of water out of the idle exhaust ports. Problem is, you can't always see the water coming out so you don't know if the pump system is working correctly? With the way my mechanic has set up, I can now see the water discharging and know certain if my pump system is working. Question? Is this ok to remove that fitting and allow the water to dischage as he as routed to the water port that exists in the engine hatch?Is there any harm in routing that water out like the 70 horse motors? My mechanic didn't warn of any problems and said it "should" be fine? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Frank Acampora]

Why does it seem that everyone needs to have a pisser? Unless you are looking back at the engine 100% of the time, you are not going to notice (in time to stop overheating) that the water pump has stopped delivering water. Much better to rely on the overheat indicators in my opinion, or install a water pressure gauge.

I prefer a dashboard light right between the tach and speedo. Right where I am almost always looking.

[roscoe]

Its fine to run the way he set it up.
A water pressure gauge would be good too.

I had the water stream AND the pressure gauge on my 70.

[Powersite]

Thanks Frank and Roscoe both for you responses. I apprecaite them.

I'm fine with the way the engine was set up, my mechanic suggested the alteration as it was a 5 dollar change and he indicated it would save me from having to look behind the engine.

I like your ideas of the pressure guage. How hard is the Pressure gauge to install? I'm not concearned about the dash installton, wiring etc. But more so on where/how do you attach to the engine? Do either of you have a web-site or Link where I could order the gauge and accessories that I will need for installation? I would like to try and do it myself if it's not too difficult. Thanks again for your responses.

[Frank Acampora]

iboats should sell them. If not iboats then one of their competitors. The sending unit screws into the place where the pisser is now or if you want to keep the water stream, find another boss on the block and drill and tap it. I'm not too familiar with the 40 but if it's like the bigger engines don't tap into anywhere else on the head because you will not get a pressure reading when the thermostat is closed.

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

I installed the indicator on my 40 hp and it has worked fine. I totally disagree with Frank above, in the marshes it is not uncommon to clog your water inlet at the foot of your motor. The pressure gauge is a good option as well, but I didn't want to mess with installing another gauge in my dash. Just my 2 cents.

[roscoe]

Iboats sells a water pressure gauge kit.
There are several different gauges to pick from, here is one of them.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?keywords...view_id=169222

Hook the plastic tubing to the fitting your mechanic installed.
Route the tubing to your dash.
Drill hole for gauge.
Install gauge and attach tubing.

Monitor water pressure while underway.
If the pressure drops from "normal", the water intake is plugged or the impeller has failed (broke apart).

[Powersite]

Thanks once again Roscoe!

That gauge shows 0-30 PSI, what is a normal PSI? Thanks,

[roscoe]

3-4 at idle, 8-10 at half throttle, 12-15 at full throttle

Some motors and brand will run higher.

But there are no real set numbers.
You just want to use your numbers as normal, and watch for any variation.