I am "Kicker" stupid

[Frank Hunt]

My outboard is the bane of me sailing. Maybe this isn't the proper forum, if not I need to find one. My '72 Merc 9.8hp is really frustrating me. I replaced the lower unit due the transmission going out, and now have an overheating problem I think. I've look at several generic and multi-model manuals and they help some, but not enough to help me operate reliably. (Call me "tow-in".) The 2-cup flusher set up doesn't work for this model, if anybody knows how and what to successfully flush it with that'd be great. Also, I'm not even sure if I'm supposed to have a tell-tale water stream coming out from the motor. THANKS in advance! (alternate e-mail: frankhjr@exis.net)

 

[John]

New Lower Unit

Frank,If it did not have a problem before replacing the lower unit, you might have a mismatch on the new unit. I replaced a mercruiser lower unit on a I/O onetime and the oil passages didn't line up even though it was supposed to be a direct replacement. I am wondering if the water passages from the lower unit match up?

 

[Tom Wootton]

Don't know much about outboard motors....

...but I'm pretty sure that if you DON'T have a "tell-tale water stream coming out from the motor" you are headed for trouble. Last time I got my old 2-cycle motor back from service, the water stream gradually went from a steady stream, to a trickle, then to steam over about 45 minutes. I shut it down and ended up sailing home (including 3 miles of narrow winding river.) Turns out the water impeller was improperly installed and was basically spinning on its shaft by friction only. The motor seems fine now, but if the lack of water flow had gone unnoticed for too long it could have damaged the engine.

 

[Mike Turner]

Water Pump

Tom's right -- if you don't have a steady stream of water coming out when the motor's running, then something's wrong with the water pump, and that's what's leading to your overheating problem. I'd check the water pump -- it can be something as simple as salt deposits hanging up the impeller, or the impeller being broken or incorrectly installed.