no water flow from Tohatsu 9.8 telltale

[miltwempley]

Found myself about half an hour away from homeport with no water spitting from the telltale. Engine was not hot at all. I reduced throttle and took it easy getting back.

I've bought an impeller kit (engine is a year old and probably should replace the impeller anyway). Not sure if it's the impeller or some other obstruction. Couple questions:

• The telltale can be blocked, but the motor can still be receiving cooling water (possible reason why motor was not overheating). Correct?
• The thermostat has nothing to do with the telltale -- water will flow out the telltale whether or not the thermostat is open or closed. Correct?
• Do I need the "spring tool" I see in the Tohatsu shop manual to disconnect the gear shift linkage when dropping the lower unit? Is there a similar tool that will do the job of pushing that pin out?

I plan on replacing the impeller anyway and trying to see if there's some sort of obstruction in the telltale -- maybe use a pipecleaner up there. Any other tips?

Finally, I used to have a Merc 90 on a Whaler that had an aftermarket "backflusher" that replaced the telltale outlet. Basically just added a hose quickconnect to the telltale so you could flush fresh water backwards through the system. My Tohasu sits in a motor well, making it almost impossible to muff it or use the flush plug on the lower unit. Anyone try back flushing through the telltale to clean out the salt?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: no water flow from Tohatsu 9.8 telltale

"The telltale can be blocked, but the motor can still be receiving cooling water (possible reason why motor was not overheating). Correct?"

Yes, and almost certainly the problem in your case.

"The thermostat has nothing to do with the telltale -- water will flow out the telltale whether or not the thermostat is open or closed. Correct?"

Yes.

"Do I need the "spring tool" I see in the Tohatsu shop manual to disconnect the gear shift linkage when dropping the lower unit? Is there a similar tool that will do the job of pushing that pin out?"

No, anything small will do it.

"I plan on replacing the impeller anyway and trying to see if there's some sort of obstruction in the telltale -- maybe use a pipecleaner up there. Any other tips?"

Piece of wire or just use compressed air. Do it while the engine is running for best results.

"Anyone try back flushing through the telltale to clean out the salt?"

Never tried, let me know if it works.

 

[miltwempley]

Re: no water flow from Tohatsu 9.8 telltale

Thanks for the quick reply Elvin.

 

[miltwempley]

Re: no water flow from Tohatsu 9.8 telltale

Wire did the trick. One poke and it was streaming like a champ. Obviously the clog was right there near the opening.