Went out on "sea trial" of potential Pro Line purchase. Has 1998 Mercury 150HP XL 2 cycle VRO. Upon start, no telltale flow for about 1-2 minutes, then weak flow for 1- 2 minutes, then strong flow thereafter. Not familiar with this motor, do closed thermostats restrict flow through telltale as well as head, then maybe partially open, then fully open? Owner claims new impeller was just installed. Maybe key was improperly installed? Did not overheat, stayed around 140 degrees. But when I first looked at the boat, owner ran it on driveway with hose attached to flush port, not using muffs. Despite my protests, he claimed that was okay, but I think he may have damaged impeller since water is flowing wrong direction when using flush. Don't have manual for motor, what is your expert advice before I buy a headache? He took it back to mechanic for VRO float level alarm and fuel problem (bogging down), so I have time to think about this.
