Outboard cooling flush

[Brad Jones]

My 1985 Marinar 8HP has a feeble water stream output from upper 1/8" stream outlet, even after installing new water pump impeller last spring. Someone said they circulated vinegar for 10 minutes to dissolve buildup in passageways. Does vinegar affect rubber parts like gaskets or impeller?

 

[Erik]

Outboard flushing

I wouldn't think vinegar would be strong enough to affect any seals or rubber parts. Is the indicator stream supposed to be strong on your engine? You may need to separate the powerhead from the driveshaft housing and manually clean (scrape) out any clogging corrosion in the cooling passageways. Consult a person who's worked on Mariners and get a good service manual. I like the Clymers OB motor manuals.

 

[Rick]

Clear outlet

On my evinrude the outlet port tends to get obstructed ocasionally. I keep a paper clip on board to clear the obstruction. The honda I had on a previous boat did the same thing. I'd give it a shot before taking stuff apart.

 

[Todd Osborne]

Try Rick's suggestion first

I had the exact problem fixed by a paperclip. I had a small piece of wood stuck in the outflow. A few pokes & out it came.