9.8 not cooling properly??

cmal

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2012
Messages
6
Hi, I've got a 9.8 Merc from what I can tell its a 1983. Ser#7200128. It pumps water but not a steady stream in neutral if I put it in gear and its pretty steady with decent flow.I checked the impeller it's like new. Blew out all the lines and this motor doesn't have a thermostat. I left the motor running for 10 mins in a Barrel in gear it didnt overheat but the water coming out of the tell tale is very hot right from start up I can barely hold my hand under it for a second or two. I'm assuming this is not normal operation for these mercs? I know my Johnson with a thermostat pisses Luke warm water at best and is a steady flow weather it's in neutral or hin gear. Any ideas out there? Thanks
 

tomhath

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
814
Definitely should not be hot water coming out. Did you take the water pump completely apart? I've found the remains of a damaged impeller inside a pump with a good impeller (I guess the previous owner didn't bother to look for the missing fins).
 

tomhath

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
814
Definitely should not be hot water coming out. Did you take the water pump completely apart? I've found the remains of a damaged impeller inside a pump with a good impeller (I guess the previous owner didn't bother to look for the missing fins).
 

cmal

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2012
Messages
6
I did take the pump apart everything looked good inside. I might just change the impeller for the few dollars it will cost but I have a feeling it won't change anything.. To me it is behaving like a sticky thermostat but it doesn't have one.......
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,424
At the top of the water tube there is a plastic washer.-------This washer melts on severe overheat and then blocks water flow to the engine.------Powerhead needs to be removed to check this.--Not hard to do !
 

cmal

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2012
Messages
6
I did pull the powerhead and sure enough it was the washer melted with just a pin hole in it... Changed that replaced the base gasket put it back together and for the hell of it changed impeller.. Started first pull and has a steady stream of cool water coming out. I have a bit of exhaust and a must of water coming out of the back of the motor is this normal
 

tomhath

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
814
There's an exhaust relief to reduce back pressure when starting or idling. It will spray a tiny bit of water. Sounds like everything is good now.
 
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