tell tale not working on mercury 115hp, urgent help needed!!

[boatmad1969]

i was travelling to spain from portugal and on the way there my fuel gauge and trim gauge were not working, on the way back they were working but my tell tale wasnt, i have checked and it isnt blocked. any suggestions on how to make it work? are the two connected? and is it serious if it doesnt work?
many thanks

[Yepblaze]

Squirt a hose up it.

[boatmad1969]

i took the cover off the engine, traced the pipes and disconnected them. water came out from a small pipe on the side of the engine (not the tell tale) but when i connect it all back together only a small dribble came out of the tell tale, the only pipe i couldnt check was clear was the pipe that goes down to the leg of the engine does this come from the impellor? and could it be blocked with sand?
thanks again

[Silvertip]

You are experiencing a classic example of a failing water pump impeller. Since you have cleared any restrictions in the system, that is the next step for you. If the impeller has not been changed in the last couple of years it is due for this service. Failure of the impeller is very serious as it pumps cooling water through the engine. That's why the engine has a tell tale. It lets you know the pump is not functioning normally. When that pump fails the engine will overheat and seize, and a rebuild or new power head will be necessary.

[boatmad1969]

oh no that sounds like a lot of work, thank you so much! when it broke i had no idea were to start. your info has been taken on board and i will tell you how it goes THANKS AGAIN