1987 90 HP Johnson - no water coming off pee hole

[ser2476]

Hi. I'm new to these forums and I need help with my outboard.

I recently bought a boat that came with a 90 HP Jonson outboard (1987). I tried testing the motor in a test tank (with about 50 gallons of water) which was enough water to cover the water intake.

The motor starts fine and seems to run, but I don't see any water coming off the pee hole. I tried poking it to see if it is blocked but it seems to be free of debris. I put my hands on the water intakes, to see if there's any water beign sucked by the water pump, but I did not feel any suction.

I have read some threads on this forum and it seems like I should check the water pump and replace the impeller, but other than that is there anything else I should be looking for? Does the lack of suction at the water intake means the pump is not working? What other things could be preventing water from circulating around the motor?

I appreciate your feedback.

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: 1987 90 HP Johnson - no water coming off pee hole

Start with the impeller. It's always a good idea to replace the impeller when you buy any used outboard even if the tell tale is producing a stream. A dried up, cracked and deteriorated impeller may pump water for a while but it's just a matter of time before it fails. Replace the impeller and you know where you stand.

 

[ser2476]

Re: 1987 90 HP Johnson - no water coming off pee hole

Thanks. I will get the pump kit and try to get the job done before the end of the boating season. I'll get back to you if I run into trouble!