No Exhaust Water

[M. Mattson]

I have a 3GMF.After heeling over during sailing and trying to restart engine ,the water doesn't circulate through the cooling system.I have to disconnect the seawater hose on the engine after the water pump in order to start the flow.I've changed the impeller and checked it's rotating direction. Funny thing is that engine runs great after my hose disconnnect remedy or if not previously heeled over! It's been a nusiance and safety problem. Really appreciate any feedback.

 

[Bob Brooks]

Seems like troublesome technique

Until you get this rather odd problem checked out, why in the world don't you just "luff up" to start the engine? Once the boat is level, the engine starts, and you're sure water is exiting the exhaust, fall off the wind again and "boogie". Isn't that a more simple plan?

 

[Gordon Torresen]

Lost prime

The sea water pump on your 3GMF should pick up the prime that can be lost if you heel enough to expose the through hull to the air. It obviously doesn't, but I trust that for most of its 16+ years it did. You state that you have checked the impeller. I hope that means that it is not worn nor flacid. What does the cover plate look like? If it is not totally flat, make it so. This can be done on a belt sander. Do it carefully because you will also trim your finger nails and brand your finger prints. Consider too, the amount of wear that you remove from the end plate can also be worn away at the other end of the impeller. The pump body can be machined but, unless you have a machine shop, a new pump might be less costly. Be sure that you reinstall with the proper gasket. We are trying to keep the air from making an end run around the impeller blades. Too thick a gasket can be another cause.  If all is good, the prime can sometimes be picked up by increasing the speed of the engine for a short period.

 

[W W Bradbury]

Exhaust Water/

M-25 Universal I have been plagued with the same problem. I have taken everything apart, changed hoses,changed impeller, taken out the heat exchanger and cleaned it, took off the Water strainer and cleaned the through-hull. Works fine until a sail and healing, then--no water. Sail to the slip-take off the hoses- return them to the engine and behold everything OK.(till next sail)(Possible problems: 1. Something in the end of the heat exchanger that acts like a flapper 2. ? Solutions: 1. Radiator shop to un-solder the fixed end of the exchanger and actually look inside. 2. New raw water pump 3.??? I'll keep trying. Let me know how you make out. E-Mail wwbrisa@aol.com