Mariner 135hp wont pump water

ntrueman28

Recruit
Joined
Jul 3, 2025
Messages
3
I bought a mariner 135hp looking to flip it. got for 300 and was told the only thing that was wrong with it was the trim solenoid. I tested compression and got 120 on all 6 and it shifted fine, so I got it. had to replace the entire trim bump for 300 bucks because it was out, had to replace both switch boxes because one cylinder did not have spark that was 60 bucks and then a whole lower unit seal kit because water was leaking into the lower unit for 70 bucks and water pump for 30. I put the water pump in and got no water to pump into the heads. I took off the poppet and cranked it without the plugs in and got it to flow out of the smaller hole of the poppet. I looked at the poppet and there were no tears and the spring had plenty of tension. I put a new pickup tube seal into the water pump housing and it grips it nice and the upper seal for the copper tube also grips it good and has to be pushed in tightly. I tried to fill up the heads and see if it was leaking anywhere and I wasn't really able to notice anything. I also took the thermostats off and got no water pumping out. While the engine was slightly hot I did see some smoke coming out the thermostat. I later took off the lower unit and ran it for a little bit while it was cold and put my hand up to the thermostat hole and there was a constant pressure coming out of it, no smoke but some pressure. Not sure what I can do here, all I can think of is that the exhaust is leaking into the water jacket or vice versa and the powerhead has to be pulled. Hoping that is not the case, I have the lifting eye but it's not the wrap around cowling nor the clamshell, it's one solid shell that goes on from the top and I don't see how to get the lower housing off. Any help is appreciated. serial is 0D156906
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
29,086
The serial number puts it as a 90s model I would think. Those tend to have lower cowlings that split, and come off horizontally. Look for some 1/4" cap screws in the lower cowling, front and back.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
29,086
With the gearcase removed, you can put a garden hose on the water tube and with low pressure (5-7PSI), test the water passages. Water should flow easily out of the 'stat holes. With the 'stats installed, water should flow with up to 10 PSI needed to open the poppit valve.

Look under the waterpump base for pieces of old impeller, as well.
 

Ifishmuskie2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 5, 2025
Messages
112
When you removed the impeller how old did it look? Was there pieces missing?
 
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