Ran 5 minutes without water-engine damaged?

[Rhadley]

I test drove a 1984 140 hp, 4 cylinder I/O mercruiser yesterday. Idled out about 4 minutes, ran hard about 1 minute and noticed smell. Temp guage was pegged so I shut it down. Some smoke was rising off the engine and it was sizzling.<br /><br />Owner re-started it a few times during troubleshooting, and we determined the bottom impeller wasn't pumping any water up.<br /><br />Do you think the engine was damaged due to overheating? Easy way to tell?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Ran 5 minutes without water-engine damaged?

The impeller needs to be replaced and then the engine should be diagnosed. Probably the first consideration should be warped head and head gasket. Then water in the oil etc. I would definately have a professional check it out.<br /><br />Personally, I think I would look at another boat.