1990 Merc 40 HP

I have a 1990 40 HP Merc that was sitting for about 6 years, I drained the fluids and replaced the plugs and batery and it started up. No water came out the discharge point on the side of the motor. Some of the line was plugged. I dropped the bottom of the shaft and was abble to get water thru the pump. Then ran water thru the copper pipe leading up to the engine. Water then came out of the disharage point, but i also noticed water comming out of the bottom of the engine where the water intake enters the block. I cant see the exact spot it is exiting from, but that seals looks good all the way around where I can see it. Is that normal, does not seem right to me?

Re: 1990 Merc 40 HP

First off welcome to i-boats. Not a better forum around when it comes to outboards and boating.<br /><br />How did you run the water up into the copper pipe ? If you used a garden hose at high pressure you may have compromised a gasket(s). As for the leak it is not normal unless you are talking about the exhaust relief ports located at the back just below the cowling. From what you described however it sounds like either the exhaust plate adapter gasket or the powerhead gasket that is leaking. A fairly simple repair if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. A manual for that motor is a must if you intend to go ahead and do the repairs yourself. Took me about 3 hrs to do mine earlier this year.<br /><br />On another note, you should change the water pump impeller while the lower unit is off. Cheap insurance especially since that motor has sat for so long.

Re: 1990 Merc 40 HP

Thanks RodC<br /><br />I used a garden hose, but with very low pressure, just enough the get the water to flow thru the system. Was planning on replacing the water pump while it was off. Do you have any suggestions on which manual to buy. Factory or after market?