Outboard motor won't pee

dbrock010 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

Need some troubleshooting ideas for my Nissan Marine 9.8 outboard motor. Four weeks ago it started up normal. Yesterday, I started her up and everything was fine for about 20 seconds when I noticed that water was not cooling down the motor. I quickly turned it off and tried again. With the same result, I decided to head home and try to diagnose the problem. Water intake pump faulty? Need to flush with fresh water? What do you think?
Dave

MorganPaul · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

enlarged prostate ?

btrayfors · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

Dave,

Often it's just a clogged exhaust port. Take a small wire or paper clip and stick it up the water hole (where it "pees") while the motor is idling. I have to do that periodically with my 8HP Yamaha, then it starts right up spewing out water.

Bill

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

Or a clog in the intake or somewhere on the route to the upper end.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

When was the last time you replaced the impeller??? If it has been a while, that could be the issue.

Fstbttms · #6 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

+1 on the impeller being first thing to check.

dbrock010 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I will try them all. As far as the impeller goes, it has never been changed, as the motor is only four years old. Also, I'll need to borrow some gloves before I check the prostrate

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

Four years of year round use is an awful lot for an impeller... IMHO, that makes it the most likely suspect.

sailjunkie · #9 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

When was the last time you replaced the impeller??? If it has been a while, that could be the issue.

I was going to suggest the same thing.

FSMike · #10 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

The pitot tube can be clogged without impairing the engine's cooling. I would attempt to clear the tube before worrying about anything else.