Merc 9.8 Pumps Air

[runabout367]

Hello,

Got an 1985 Mercury 9.8 hp that was sitting in the garage for 12 years. Cleaned it up and test ran it, started on the third pull! But is pumping air through the pee hole. Had it in a 32 gal can too. Is this a bad water pump, even though its pumping air? Running like a champ btw.

Also should the carburetor have a screen or filter on the intake, the choke plate is exposed to the open?

Thanks

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Merc 9.8 Pumps Air

It has no air filter.
You should replace water pump impeller either way after that long. I can guarantee you it's taken a set.
Also, you may have a blown exhaust cover gasket, leaking exhaust around lower water tube grommets, etc.
Don't run it without water flow, it only takes a few seconds to begin to overheat.
Good luck,
JBJ