Merc 1 Drive Overheating

[ster1]

Hello folks,

Yes I know a drive doesn't actually overheat (I think) and my problem was with an overheating engine, but the root cause was the drive's pickup pump. Happened to everyone I'm sure but today it happened to me

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gm_nr_YjG6X-Zdel6RoEqqHCuTx9N85ff0vacwuIzpg?feat=directlink

I checked this impeller a few weeks ago and it looked and felt just perfect so I didn't replace it. Lesson learned. I'm a recent convert from OMC but the same principles apply. I should have replaced it. I should have replaced it. I should have replaced it. I only had to row about 1/4 mile on the lake today before some kind soul tossed me a line and got me back to the dock. Thank you Good Samaritan whoever you are!

My question for the group is: what happened here?

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PQZINAg4r4Und2skeCasL6HCuTx9N85ff0vacwuIzpg?feat=directlink

It overheated, yes. But hot enough so that the plastic thingy on the pickup tube melted?

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dFFL6l50C9CSm_2Fs1_EvKHCuTx9N85ff0vacwuIzpg?feat=directlink

Looking up into the upper housing, that plastic thing is "bubbled" or just about melted too

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UwykPaogEcjuOo-jJ1jxd6HCuTx9N85ff0vacwuIzpg?feat=directlink

I have to replace it obviously

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FVPwNQeIBCkZi-ty8Ipk8aHCuTx9N85ff0vacwuIzpg?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H0MqfnjNy9t6pvOeATvyhaHCuTx9N85ff0vacwuIzpg?feat=directlink

My question is, what is that plastic tube, and what it it's purpose? The cooling water travels up from the pump in a copper tube. I remember this plastic tube when I put the drive together a few weeks ago, and was befuddled then. Thanks for your help!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

My question is, what is that plastic tube, and what it it's purpose?

Ayuh,... It's to guide the copper pipe into place,...

 

[mercs4mark]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

Good job getting the water pocket apart without breaking a bolt, lucky guy....buy a lottery ticket

 

[ster1]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

Yeah holy COW those screws were a bear to get out. I thought sure as hell I'd snap one. I'm sure I'll pay for my luck another way. Thanks Bond-O, I found the tube and got er comin off ebay for like 25 bucks I remembered some plastic affair when I took it apart a few weeks ago, just not in very good detail.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

Check your shutters too....that much overheat and they are probably "toasted" if they are even still there.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

You paid 25 bucks for the tube? My impeller kit came with the tube.....

 

[cr2k]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

The reason they are made out of polystyrene is to melt as an indicator of overheat. They do this if no water is present in the exhaust.

 

[achris]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

You paid 25 bucks for the tube? My impeller kit came with the tube.....

Buy it new, genuine from a Merc dealer and you're only paying $5.50.....
Part Number 23-29804

Chris....

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

Here are the different impeller kits offered by Quicksilver.

I recommend getting the complete impeller kit, including the base and upper housings since you roasted your impeller.
46- 57234T 1 - Water pump Base Kit
46- 96148A 8 - Water Pump Upper Housing Repair Kit

 

[ster1]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

I ordered the wrong part. Turns out the guide actually came with the kit. Looks a little different though. I did install a new complete impeller and housing kit with seals and gaskets etc. Good point about the shutter, I'll check into that. Thankye!

 

[ster1]

Re: Merc 1 Drive Overheating

Update: the problem was definitely the water (pickup) pump. I installed a new one and she runs cool as a cucumber. The goofy guide did come with the kit too. Also thanks Ktbarrentine for the tip about the shutters. I didn't even know they were there (supposed to be there). My old OMC didn't have em so I didn't even think to look. The thing I ordered on eBay was fortunately never shipped, and the guy gave me a refund right away. Case closed, thanks y'all!