Water ejection force on Merc 402

[Flash]

I have a 1973 Mercury 40hp 2 stroke that when it initially starts up has a lower water ejection force then it does after a few seconds of running. Is this normal? My first partial year of running this boat/motor was last summer and I simply do not remember if it was a strong ejection stream from the initial start or not. I think it was, and am concerned that a water pump/impellor might be going.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/550/5396-web.jpg

[huntingmaniac45]

Does it have a thermostat?

[john warren]

my guess is thermostat, as to impeller if you haven't replaced it do so. i change mine every two years regaurdless and usually forget i did it last year and end up putting one in about every year. pretty cheap insurance on an expensive motor.

[Flash]

Does it have a thermostat?

Good question. I do not know - but will find out. Thanks for the starting point.

[TONGA]

Yea if you don’t know when it was changed last then put in a new impeller also take a wire and make sure the pee hole is clear.