oh oh!

[RetiredSoldier919]

I think I may have a problem. I have a 79 150hp v6. The previous owner told me the cable sticking out of the LU was an old speedometer cable. Well, after reading some posts here, I believe it may be a pick up tube or water line of some sort. The tell tale hole has not been peeing water and I think that's why. But I've been out on several 4+ hour rides without motor problems. So I'm concerned that I may have damaged the motor. But shouldn't it have blown up after running without water to the upper motor?

 

[wired247]

Re: oh oh!

It probably is the line that runs to the speedometer. It has nothing to do with the water pump other than the place where the hose hooks up is right next to the water pump. You might have a plugged peehole. You probably have a bad impeller. Mercury doesnt have the most robust impellers.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: oh oh!

A lot of those V6 motors have the telltale plumbed downstream of the thermostats. When you are on the water under load, it should have a telltale. When using the flusher, it may nver get warm enough for the thermostats to open.

Wired's point is well taken. If you do not know when the waterpump was last serviced, it is time to do it.

 

[RetiredSoldier919]

Re: oh oh!

Thanks for the replies. I plan to follow your advice and service the water pump. I was just confused by the loose cable and that the motor did not overheat during my trips. Especially during a 2 hour tow that I gave to a stranded boater. His battery died.