Back to the 15 HP Mariner

[Case]

Thanks to you all! I followed your advice, compression checked very good, so I went back into the carb and sure eniugh, the idle jet had a piece of crap in it. Blew it out and problem solved!!! Now I have a new question. I replaced the water pump on general principal (no knowledge of previous maintenance habits). There are two drains - one from a small tube that runs from the block to the bottom rear of the cowl. The other is an impressive hole about 12" below the engine. On startup, a stream of water comes out of the small tube and a spray from the big one. After about 2 minutes of operation, the stream of water stops from the tube, but the spray continues from the large one. After finally gettingthe motor to idle last night, I let it run for about ten minutes. The water spray was not hot and the motor was not hot to the touch. Is everything OK?<br /><br />Case<br /><br />Work is for people that don't know how to fish...<br /><br />

 

[12Footer]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

The little tube is called a "Telltale" or pee hole by some), still others have a cruder name for this thing...Anyhoo, the "thing" is plugged-up. This is not uncommon. Usually,after changing out an impeller, or running aground,you break-loose the corrosion that is in the water jacket (what,with all the bangin and bmpin), and it will plug this tube up. In the case of running aground, you suck-up shell and sand.Remove the thermostat, and replace the housing. Remove the tube from the fitting where it goes thru the cowling.Start it, and take a long tie wrap,or skinny stiff wire, and jab it i9n and out of the tube. It shouls start "peeing"....Kinda like knocking loose a stopped-up toilet.Be sure to replace the thermostat. Don't run it longer than 20 minutes without one in it,as engine damage may result.

 

[Case]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

Thanks, I'll do that. Should I replace the termastat while I'm in there? The motor is new to me, so I have no idea how it was maintained, but I do know that the previous owner did not own metric tools and did own a pair of channel locks! <br /><br />Case<br /><br />Work is for people that don't know how to fish...<br />

 

[Case]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

sorry, I ment buy a new one and install it... <br /><br />Case<br /><br />

 

[Trent]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

IF you got an air compressor..While its running put air pressure to the telltale and see if it clears up the passage way..ANd yes change the t-stat since you dont know the history of this engine ..Not much money. If you dont have air..try a wire or water pressure up the telltale hose.

 

[Case]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

Thanks to both of you, I will do it. Trent, I think I'm going to like this little motor, If it were just a little bit lighter...! I put it on the boat every time I use it, and it does not feel like ~80 pounds to me!

 

[12Footer]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

Just a question..Why doyou remove it? If it is to prevent theft, consider a transom lock rail.These slide over the T-handles, and a padlocl locks it in place. It can still be cut off with some heavy duty cutters, but you'll hear that ruckus in a dead sleep...<br />It's kinda like a "club" for boat motors.

 

[Case]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

12Footer - I carry my 14 foot alumicraft in the back of my truck! I can lift the boat and I can lift the motor, but I can't lift the boat AND the motor. Thus the on and off requirement.<br /><br />Thanks again for all of your help!!!<br /><br />Case

 

[lilwily]

Re: Back to the 15 HP Mariner

I posted a similar question before about my 97 25hp Mariner. It ran perfect....just when at idle it would barely have a trickle out of the pee hole. when you gave it some gass it came out with a good stream. I was told that was OK. i love this little motor...I have it on a 14' v-hull.<br /><br />Wily