What in the world? Air bubbles from lower unit? 2002 Honda BF9.9D

[Overbored]

Lots of air bubbles coming from little holes by seam next to water pump area. I replaced the impellar today and when I started motor (in water), lots of big air bubbles are coming out down below, but no water from pee hole.
When I took screens off side of lower unit, there were impellar fin pieces loose in there. I blew out water tubes thinking maybe some stuff from impellar might be occluding holes, but nothing came out.
Should I take lower unit back off and get inside water pump to check for more problems?

 

[gss036]

Re: What in the world? Air bubbles from lower unit? 2002 Honda BF9.9D

That would be my suggestion. Maybe you did not get the water tube inserted into the bottom of the power head.

 

[hondon]

Re: What in the world? Air bubbles from lower unit? 2002 Honda BF9.9D

Pull the gearcase down AGAIN,and this time look carefully at the water pump housing.I'll bet you find it melted down.Before you rehang that gearcase make sure that the water passages are clear by blowing back from the pickup tube and feeling at the telltale output with compressed air.Carefull with that as anything obstructing that water way will come shooting out of that telltale like a bullet.