Water pump problem or else?

I own a 1957 Evinrude.
The engine starts well but after a few seconds, it stalls as no water is coming out of it.
I had the water pump checked and the mechanic told me that the impeller was in good shape ( not dried up nor too soft neither excessively worn).
Still, the problem remains.
Is there anyone having experienced this problem and ready to share how his problem was solved?

Re: Water pump problem or else?

You need to explain the problem more thoroughly in detail.

If a engine stops running because of overheating, it normally seizes (not stalls) to a point whereas it would be extremely hot, the pistons would seize to the cylinder walls, and you would not be able to turn the engine over until it cooled off.

A engine will stall for various reasons.... running out of fuel due to a failing fuel pump, carburetor out of adjustment, carburetor fouled to a point whereas it requires cleaning, etc.

Re: Water pump problem or else?

Joe Reeves said:

You need to explain the problem more thoroughly in detail.

If a engine stops running because of overheating, it normally seizes (not stalls) to a point whereas it would be extremely hot, the pistons would seize to the cylinder walls, and you would not be able to turn the engine over until it cooled off.

A engine will stall for various reasons.... running out of fuel due to a failing fuel pump, carburetor out of adjustment, carburetor fouled to a point whereas it requires cleaning, etc.

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In fact the engine stops running after a few minutes (?10). Everything works ok until it starts heating because water ceases to reach the head.
It will restart but no water would get in or out.
Sorry for the misuse of appropriate terms, I'm a french speaking lad.

Re: Water pump problem or else?

First tell us what hp engine do you have. What have you done so far other than talk to a mechanic? When you run the engine are you running it in a barrel or in the lake on the back of a boat or how? How did the mechanic check the impeller?

Re: Water pump problem or else?

Solittle said:

First tell us what hp engine do you have. What have you done so far other than talk to a mechanic? When you run the engine are you running it in a barrel or in the lake on the back of a boat or how? How did the mechanic check the impeller?

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It's a 5.5 hp.
Only the mechanic is working on the engine. I've got no skills in that matter.
He put the engine in a barrel filled with water, started the engine and the engine ran for ? 10 min. Then, water stopped pissing.
He could restart the engine but the water would not **** until the engine is cold again. He did that 3-4 times.
He then took the impeller out of the pump box to look at it. He found it practicaly not worn out neither too dry nor soft.
He checked the pump case and the plate on which the impeller is sitting, all ok.
He thinks that the problem could be a head gasket leaking some inner pressure and in doing so it would prevent water to reach the head of the engine to be cooled.
As he does not want me to spend too much money on his "perhaps" and he felt uncomfortable with that, I told him I would check out and see what I would find in order to ease, if possible, fixing of my engine.

Re: Water pump problem or else?

i find it a bit odd that the mechanic wouldnt have recommended installing a new pump after going through the work of removing the powerhead to check it. ( unless you know exactly when the current pump was installed). but for the $10 bucks a head gasket costs, it may be worth looking into, ....as long as you're not paying huge per hour rates.

Re: Water pump problem or else?

I agree, if Im pulling a powerhead for a suspicous impeller, a new one is going in regardless, especially if it is a new motor to me.

Has he checked compression?

Re: Water pump problem or else?

Well thanks to you all. I'll check it out with my mechanic and let you know the results after the new impeller is installed.
Then, only two things can happen. It works ok or...

Re: Water pump problem or else?

if it hasnt been done, id strongly recommend replacing the base gasket while its apart for the impeller job. that way you can rule out the bottom end of the ob if the problem persists. jmo

Re: Water pump problem or else?

The water pick-up tube may not be properly seated in either the block or the water pump. Your mechanic should be ablew to spot and fix that.