Mercury 125 hp water pump?

[bluedevil]

When I was getting the boat ready last week I was having problems with water coming out of the side of the motor. When I first put the muffs on I had a good stream comming out for a few minutes and then it slowed to almost a trickle. After messing with it for a little while I got back to a decent stream but not a full stream. I figured it might have been the muffs. When I got it into the lake I had the same problem. Im quite sure it is pumping enough water to keep the motor cool but it still concerns me. I am thinking an obstruction in the line somewhere but my question is where to begin, or if not that then what other possabilitys could it be.

thanks

[TONGA]

it could be a clog,,but when is the last time you put a new impeller in that motor?
also what year is that motor ,,is a newer 4 cyl or is it an old tower of power?

[bluedevil]

It is a 2001 2 stroke and has never had a impeller put on it.

How offten should it be replaced?

[SalmonBum]

I had a Buddy buy a new 135 Opti-Max about 3 yrs ago. It needed a new Impeller withing 3 months. It doesn't take much to suck somthing up that can eat the fins. Starting the motor with no water can also damage the blades.

Remeber when running the boat with muffs in your driveway the water is somewhat pressured and even with a bad impeller it will still sem like water is getting thru the motor. The water will be forced into the motor, unlike lake water that is "still".

Changing one out requires removing the Lower-Lower. It's not a difficult Job. Take a look at the impeller plate and make sure there are no grooves in it. That will cause it to suck air and not get a good suction. If the motor is in idle and it won't pump water til you "goose it", you may have a grooved up plate. Once you get the Impeller spinning good, it will create the suction and work fine. Pretty cheap to fix.

[TONGA]

I would recomend every other year for most(cheep insurance) I do the fishing rig every year and replace the plates and housing as needed but I run her very shallow a lot and sand is tuff on them,,,I also recommend you change them in any motor that has sat for a long time(years) they tend to take on a set and dry-rot
I would say you are due,,while you have her apart you can make sure,pickup screen,tubes,tell tale,ect.. are clear.
I have seen people run motors for many years without changing them and get away with it,,but I would say you have good size investment in that merc and if it were me I would take the cheep insurance

[bluedevil]

Thanks guys,;)

I appreciate your help. I just dont know my way around outboards yet.:D

I know that 2 stokes are famous for fumes and smoke but just curious as if there is a better oil out there that smokes less. I have ran Quicksilver in it since I bought it, but it would be nice if there was something out there that burned cleaner.

I know, I know get a four stroke. :p

[TONGA]

You will never hear me say buy a 4-stoke
the new synthetics are supposed to smoke less and leave hardly any carbon deposits,,but they are pricey

[double trouble]

in an older outboard( 1975 115 johnson) we use sierra low smoke oil with good results and a huge difference in smoke levels. newer outboards should use either original manufacturer oil or the hot tip for evinrude /johnson is ram ficht for oil injection. merc quicksilver should be the best for mercs.amsoil synthetic is worth a try if you want to reduce smoke.just my two cents. dan

[Jason Adam]

I always ran Merc Quicksilver Premium Plus in my Merc 115, and it seemed to run good and burn pretty clean. You can pickup QS+ right now at Bass Pro for under $10 a gallon(thats about $5 per gallon off). I have though, read several independant studies that say all TCW3 rated oils, be it Merc or Wal-mart house brand, will burn the same. I saw a few studies that ran them and then completely dismantled the engines and really went through them(sorry, not a gear head here), and they said there was no difference. May be something to research.

[bluedevil]

I replaced the water impeller and one of the gaskets today and I still have the same problem.:(
It is pumping water but no where near what it should be. I will replace the second gasket and hope that will fix it but if not what are other possibilitys that could be causing this.

Thanks

[TONGA]

while you had her apart did you make sure everything was clear of obstruction,,you know water pick-up,pick-up tube,tell-tale hose,ect...?

[bluedevil]

Stupid question but:
what is the water pick up and pick up tube? I did make sure the tell tale hose was clear.
There was a hose I had to replace that came from just above where the lower unit comes apart and I am pretty sure it looked like it went up towards the dash.

[TONGA]

your pick up is down at the bottom of the lower unit(above the torpeedo),it's where she picks up water,look around and you will find the opening and screen,it's all down under your water pump,but you will be abile to see where she picks up from the outside