water pump johnson

[bluebunnyss]

I have a 94 johnson 15hp. It runs great, however I am a bit nervous about the water pump. Water is expelled with the exhaust. It also usually "pees" out water. There are times when I look back and there is no water "peeing" out. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

[Mas]

Be concerned. You should have a steady stream of water from the tell-tale at all times. Although the tell-tale could be plugged, there is a chance that your water pump has failed. Is the motor over heating? After the motor has warmed up, can you leave your hand on the head for a three count?

If you can, try running some weed wacker line through the line and see if that clears it.

If the pump has not been replaced in the last three years, It's time!

MAS

[tashasdaddy]

if you do not know when the impeller was last changed, change it. remember, the tale tell is a sign the impeller is pumping, not that the tstat is opening and cooling the motor.

[kenmyfam]

Completely agree. Change the impeller or complete water pump assembly, check the head temp for possible overheat and make sure the lines are clear.

[bluebunnyss]

I have replaced the waterpump. Most times it spits out water, and most times a powerful stream. Sometimes however it will shoot a weak stream or merely a dribble.
Can there be a clog below the waterpump...where the water enters the lower unit? If so how is this checked/fixed.
Also, what should the waterpump be doing while the engine is in reverse?

[Rick.]

The water intake is below the pump. If you need to clean it you can run water through muffs and that should do the trick or you can clean it out with a hose from above but you will have to remove the pump and plate first. Don't try to poke the screen with anything cause it's made of the most brittle plastic there is and you will break it. Reverse should pump the same as forward. Remember, your drive shaft only turns one way always and therefore so does the pump impeller. You've got a problem somewhere. At slow idle you might see your stream pulsate (strobe) and then get stronger as the RPM's come up. It should never dribble or stop intermittently. The stream should always be there. Rick.

[Mas]

You could also drop the LU and remove the thermostat to try to "back flush" the cooling system. Dropping the LU will prevent debris from fouling the pump and allow to to check to make sure the water tube grommet was not pinched upon installation.

MAS

[ejspeare]

Is there anyone out there that can help? My problem is after realizing a weak stream out of the impeller an a over heating. I changed the impeller, gasket, and plate. No change in steam or condition. I then back flushed with lower unit off an completely clear what can possibly be going on? The outboard is a 2004 115 four stroke Johnson