Water Pump Question

[mtalbert]

Im pretty new to owning a boat. I bought my first boat with a motor this past year. Its a used 2000 Tracker with a 90hp Mercury. Ive ran into my first real problem that I cant seem to figure out.
Last Sunday I took the boat out and quickly noticed the water was not pee'ing. I loaded back up and brought it home. I did some research on replacing the water pump as im mechanically inclined.
Today I swapped out the pump. Everything looked pretty normal, swap went pretty easy. Im confident I got everything in the right place. Keyway seemed to go back smooth. My question is when I hook up my water hose to the "mickey mouse ears" (dont know the proper term) should it be enough pressure to make the pump pee? I am able to easily blow through the hole, I cant seem to find any obstructions. Im just kinda stumped. The only other thing I know to do is put it in the lake and see how it works out.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Water Pump Question

There should be a thermostat on that motor somewhere, it maybe clogged up, broken, or stuck. I don't know the motor, so can't tell you where it is? But, be sure to flush out any passages pertaining to the thermostat.

 

[dhughes49]

Re: Water Pump Question

I have a 2002 150 hp merc . motor must come up to operating temp before tstat will open allowing a pee stream. also check pee stream port for a blockage . dirt dobbers love to plug them up. When you buy a used motor expect maintanance has not been done . change lower unit oil look for water in oil . change thermostats just for giggles it may save you a bad day on the lake. I also changed my poppit valve. I'm no expert these are just some of the things I did to try to avoid disaster. I learned this on my last used motor I bought. It made a differance this time around.

 

[mtalbert]

Re: Water Pump Question

Thanks guys. I always fished with people or used a pirogue or boat I could paddle. I got a super deal on this boat from a older gentleman that I have known for a while. Boat has been great. Just gotta get this water issue taken care of. Maybe I didnt let it warm up long enough. Im almost positive that I normally see it pee right away. Or at least a weaker stream. Im just getting dribbles of water right now. Just want to make sure its right before I take it out again.

 

[mtalbert]

Re: Water Pump Question

I did a little more checking and I think I have come to a conclusion. I tested the thermostat and it is opening and closing as it should. After a little reading and watching videos on replacement I noticed something. There was no top seal on top of the water impeller housing. Every video I watched they pulled this seal off before removing the housing. I assume this would cause a drop in water pressure and not allow it to pump up to the engine.
No idea where the old seal went as I don't find it on my floor. I assume it deteriorated and is just gone.

 

[1nebel0]

Re: Water Pump Question

Very simple solution...The 90h.p water pickup is towards the rear of the lower unit..muffs fit very poorly hence poor water pressure..put the boat in the water and if it doesn't start peeing almost immediately you may have some of the issues mentioned above...

 

[1nebel0]

Re: Water Pump Question

Also you need that black bushing that sits on top of the water pump to keep exhaust from entering the water pump housing... I also have 6 on hand...easy buy at the merc shop...

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Water Pump Question

Are you sure your impeller key was installed correctly? If not, the drive shaft is simply spinning inside of the water pump housing and not pumping water...very common. Also, you have to make sure the brass pickup pipe indeed went inside of the water pump housing when you were bolting it all up. It should start pissing right away...even if its a weak stream..mine always did so.