New impellor test run, now some questions.

[DAVA390]

Today was start up test run on my 2009 6hp Tohatsu 4strk. that I worked on a few months ago. In the barrel in back yard it started on first pull as usual, glad about that. After a short ,initial water flow out, for about 7-8 agonizing seconds there was no water, then a little smoke, then good water flow. This makes me think some water was perched in the motor block all winter... possible or not?. If so, winters will be spent in basement, not the shed.
Next issue, the adjustment screw for turning friction on back of the motor will not tighten enough to hold the motor tightly for motoring long runs. This is normal, stated quite clearly in the manual it is for friction only, not a motor lock. Has anyone found a way to improve on this short of bungie cords or line tied to tiller handle?

 

[Capt jgw]

Did you store it upright? The water is supposed to all drain out that way. If it isn't, you may have a blockage. Equally important is the lower gear case. Any water freezing in there can blow a hole in the case. A piece of fishing line caught in the prop can cut the seal and let water in, and you might not know it happened. Should be changing the gear lube every fall to prevent this, or store warm. Be VERY careful about storing any gas engine in the basement. The slightest fuel vapor leak will make you go BOOM!
On the friction lock, on my first boat I put a linkage from the motor to the rudder, it allowed the motor to steer with the rudder. Improved maneuverability 1000%. I had a second mounting point on the transom that held the motor straight. They sell the linkage for fishing boats to connect the trolling motor to the main.

 

[DAVA390]

Stored upright,winterized,gas drained. Bottom oil changed every fall,propelor pulled and inspected. Thanks for the linkage info.,will investigate something like that.

 

[kloudie1]

Water... If the flow is fine after a couple of minutes, what you saw was probably the bypass flow around the thermostat then the water finished filling the block then the flow started as normal..