Can I add a telltale to an I/O?

[Faerbairn]

1987 4.3L V6 OMC Cobra I/O

Can I add a telltale to my inboard outboard to always know it is pumping fresh water into the system. I enjoyed having a telltale on my outboard motor. It gave me piece of mind while driving to look back and see that it was pumping.

Years ago I had a Merc I/O and it had a water jet on each side spraying out that meant water was pumping in and then out of the system.

This OMC setup seems to only pump water out of the exhaust bellows.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[danond]

Re: Can I add a telltale to an I/O?

Replace your impeller every year, never ever run the boat without a water supply. Not even a quick start, and it eliminates the need for a telltale.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can I add a telltale to an I/O?

That is what a water temp guage is for.

Before I go out I always start my boat the day before in my driveway. I put my hands on the manifolds while the engine is warming up. Manifolds that get hot fast means no water flow...just my little thing I do. I also change my impeller every two years.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can I add a telltale to an I/O?

Ayuh,.... What They said,.....

Although,.. I've been thinkin' about putting a water pressure gauge I've got kickin' around, on my 4.3l...

 

[ziggy]

Re: Can I add a telltale to an I/O?

Replace your impeller every year, never ever run the boat without a water supply. Not even a quick start

that's where i'm at too. i don't even set dwell w/o water running. ...

That is what a water temp gauge is for

that's my favorite gauge. my first glace at my gauges is always to the temp gauge first. i watch that gauge very closely all the time..

Before I go out I always start my boat the day before in my driveway. I put my hands on the manifolds while the engine is warming up. Manifolds that get hot fast means no water flow

my prep is slightly different, but not much. i always start it prior to going to the lake, same day. i don't generally feel my manifold, though i may start. but i do observe the temp gage once again. also, i look for the telltale water exiting the drive while on muffs for what i beleive is normal flow for my engine...

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Can I add a telltale to an I/O?

An overheat alarm can be added...to just about any engine.

I saw just such a 'kit' at West Marine, one visit.

I won't leave the dock, unless my alarm system is functioning!