Is there a way to tell if the impeller is working?

[1985 Century Mustang]

I replaced my impeller a month ago, I just put the outdrive on today and noticed I wasn't getting any good water flow coming out of exhaust. I think I may have put it in incorrectly, I'm unsure. Qiestion- Is there a way to tell if the impeller is working by maybe unhooking a hose coming from the outdrive to the top of the engine while the rabbit ears are on?

 

[Pmt133]

You could pull the hose at the thermostat housing from the drive briefly and start it real quick... should get a good stream of water...

 

[flashback]

You could pull the hose at the thermostat housing from the drive briefly and start it real quick... should get a good stream of water...

Don't think that would be a good test when using muffs, probably better to put boat in lake and then your test will work..

 

[Pmt133]

Don't think that would be a good test when using muffs, probably better to put boat in lake and then your test will work..

Forgot about the muffs... I usually use bucket when testing things like that. My bad.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

My tstat is starting to climb to 175 now.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

I pulled the main outdrive hose while it was started and some water was coming out with the muffs but not a lot.

 

[flashback]

The pump can't magically create water volume it will pull what you offer. Back the boat into the lake and then try,,

 

[Bondo]

Forgot about the muffs... I usually use bucket when testing things like that. My bad.

Ayuh,..... That's a very bad idea,......

Outdrives need to be fed by muffs, with a really strong hose feed,.....

 

[Scott06]

Look in the service manual there is a water pump volume test where u take the hose from outdrive and collect the water in a bucket was like 3-4 qts In 15 seconds. This is in the water not on muffs

 

[Pmt133]

Ayuh,..... That's a very bad idea,......

Outdrives need to be fed by muffs, with a really strong hose feed,.....

Which I normally do. However if I'm checking to see if my pumps working, I tilt it into a big old bucket full of water. Dumb idea? More than likely.

 

[flashback]

Which I normally do. However if I'm checking to see if my pumps working, I tilt it into a big old bucket full of water. Dumb idea? More than likely.

Not for a small outboard, but you would need a livestock water barrel for a I/O.

 

[Pmt133]

Not for a small outboard, but you would need a livestock water barrel for a I/O.

Oh it's massive. Built it out of an old pool liner and some steel pool wall panels I had laying around. To answer another question, I needed something to do that was boat related one cold winter and wanted a little practice with a stick welder. No other good reason but that I was bored.

 

[flashback]

Ok, big old bucket and a swimming pool for most of us is two different things. But yeah, if you have a couple hundred gals of water in your tank your probably good..

 

[Pmt133]

Yeah I figured after I cut down everything it's about 75 gallons.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

I'm removing the lower part of the outdrive, leaving the upper in tact. Just drained the gear oil. I think I may have put the impeller in wrong, or maybe the F...g key fell out of the slot,,, who knows, I'm really unsure, needless it's worth to inspect it. The top riser elbow got real real hot in less than a minute. I never saw my temps run that high ever in such a short period of time. Guess it's back to the ole drawing board. I'm getting close to the end of the tunnel methinks. Man this FREE boat really kicked my arse.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Look in the service manual there is a water pump volume test where u take the hose from outdrive and collect the water in a bucket was like 3-4 qts In 15 seconds. This is in the water not on muffs

I'm doing much less than that with the water dispersement. I feel that It's definitely an impeller issue, no doubt.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Ayuh,..... That's a very bad idea,......

Outdrives need to be fed by muffs, with a really strong hose feed,.....

I totally agree.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

I think I may have overtightened/guerilled the water impeller housing. Could that be an issue? I'll know today when I remove the lower unit from the upper and inspect it.

PS: Do the impeller blades go counter clockwise?

 

[Bondo]

Oh it's massive. Built it out of an old pool liner and some steel pool wall panels I had laying around. To answer another question, I needed something to do that was boat related one cold winter and wanted a little practice with a stick welder. No other good reason but that I was bored.

Ayuh,..... Where is the water level on the outdrive when runnin',..??

 

[Scott Danforth]

Forgot about the muffs... I usually use bucket when testing things like that. My bad.

a bucket works on an outboard because you can get the water 8" aove the impeller for priming, however will kill an I/O impeller. always use muffs or a bucket big enough to submerge the entire outdrive.