Water everywhere with muffs on

[stricksteve4]

I just bought a 1985 Johnson VRO 150 on VIP SK8 ski boat. When the engine is run with muffs on I have some water coming out the exhurst as it should, none coming out the water output on the sides of the lower unit and water coming out near the 2 side plates that look like they cover a rubber part of some type. Water is coming out the small water vent under the power head as should be normal. No water in the lower unit with the grease. Also water comes out a small hole right under the zinc on the front of the lower unit. Seems to cool alright although i have not had it in the water yet, rewiring most of the boat.(previous owner cut most of the wiring under the dash when he or she took off the trolling motor) Do I have blown seals in the cooling system?? Or is this normal on muffs.

[nwcove]

sounds like normal for muffs as you're putting a bit more pressure on it than normal operating conditions. but if you cant confirm when the last time it had the impeller replaced, you should do it. nothing like an overheat to ruin a summers fun!!!

[emdsapmgr]

Two things to check on that engine. A strong telltale will show that the impeller is working and that water is getting up to the powerhead. Water coming out of the two exhaust relief ports, just under the rear lower cowling-will usually indicated that water is exiting the powerhead. That's all normal operation. You may want to rent/borrow a laser temp gun. Once the engine is warmed up fully, it should run between 143 and 150 on each head. Since the thermostat housing has two stats (one for each head) you may see some slight temp variance between them. If it were my new engine, I'd probably put a new impeller and two new thermostats in, just as good measure. Just not worth getting stranded on the lake with the family if you have any problem-not tended to by the prior owner. They are relatively cheap and are worth your efforts.

[F_R]

1. You cannot test a water pump on muffs. You could completely remove the impeller and water would still circulate through the cooling system.

2. Water squirting out a dozen various drain holes while on muffs is totally normal. Just stand back.

3. Water coming out the holes behind the lower mount is normal too. That is water that has escaped the pump housing where the drive shaft goes through. If it were not drained off, it would rise up to the lower crankshaft seal area of the powerhead and cause extreme damage.

Summing up, it ain't broke. Or maybe it is broke. As I said, you can't test it on muffs. But preventative maintenance is a good idea. That means impeller replacement if it is old, whether it needs it or not.

[boobie]

Replace the impeller in it and take it to the lake and give it a good run. That is the only true test.

[stricksteve4]

Replace the impeller in it and take it to the lake and give it a good run. That is the only true test.

Thanks to all for the advice. I have workshop manuals and will replace the impeller and thermostats, but first I will take it to the lake and see if I can use it to take me to catch some pike and trout!! Thanks for all the advice!!