Saving "Kicker Dollars"

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Feb 25, 2010
23
Captiva 240 Port Richey
When an outboard dribbles water instead of a strong stream one of the first things we do is to insert a thin rod in the outlet to see if it is clogged. If you do it while the motor is not runing you are wasting your time..Here is a very simple way to correct the problem. run the motor in idle and reach over and put a finger over the outlet hole. keep it there for 20 seconds...let go...repeat the process at least six times or until the water stream gets stronger...now rev it up in neutral and repeat the process. Hold that water in. while it builds up pressure. If you have a small kicker that does not rev up in neutral..make sure your dock lines are tight and shift it into forward gear and rev it up. repeat this several times even after the flow gets stronger...bingo...you have just found out it is not your water pump that is the cause and the blockage is cleared. As long as you have a strong stream your pump is working and does not need to be replaced. But if this fails to solve the problem call an engine tech. You have a paperweight.
 

Johnb

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Jan 22, 2008
1,461
Hunter 37-cutter Richmond CA
On my Honda BF100 something used to love to make a mud nest in the rubber tube that ran from the block to the outside. It could be easily pulled off and rolled between finger and thumb and that loosened it. What came out looked like it had little green worms in it.
 
Jun 4, 2004
287
Beneteau Oceanis 352 NYC
I've used the same trick on my Nissan 9.8 many times but I am going to do a really good cleaning of the coolant track this year.
 
Oct 26, 2005
2,057
- - Satellite Beach, FL.
Thanks for the finger over the hole trick. I always use the piece of wire and it's easier to find a finger.
A mixture of vinager and water makes for a good motor flush. Need a good size bucket (10 gal) or tub and the motor elevated to keep from sucking the stuff back in.
Maybe not the bath tub, I know my wife has no sense of humor when I do things like that.:D
 
Dec 15, 2011
103
Oday 20 SF Bay Area/Monterey Bay
The Whole Purpose Of The Message Was To Save People Money By Not Replacing The Water Pump When It Didn't Need To Be Replaced
Rubber begins degrading the moment it is removed from the box and installed. I know people towing trailers with 20 year old tires with no wear on the tread that wonder why they get a flat.

I can make a buffalo scream with the best of them but when a typical impeller replacement kit can be had for $30 or less why take a chance? I have never seen an impeller fail at a convenient time. If your get home motors reliability is at stake, it seems penny wise and pound foolish not to spend a couple boat launch fees not to replace it IMHO. YMMV:)
 

LloydB

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Jan 15, 2006
927
Macgregor 22 Silverton
I'd rather try the finger test to check a blockage than to spend the $30 and still have to clear one.
 
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