OUTBOARD QUESTION

[Martinhunter]

Hello, I have a 1997 15 hp Force outboard that I'm having troubles with. It heats up when I'm running it, so I took the impeller out, thinking for sure that would be the problem but the impeller looks brand new. Does anyone know what else could be causing it to heat up. I really don't want to pay 65-70 bucks an hour to have a mechanic look at it. Any suggestions is appreciated, thanks.

[HawkenBob]

First question, Is it peeing? If not and the impeller is good your lines to the pee hole are clogged most likely. Just uncogged a 175 Merc 2 weeks ago. Its peeing good. Also took out the impeller and it was fine.

Even with flushing they can get clogged. This boat sat in a barn and was clogged with dust and stuff. Basically he put it away wet and the dust turned to mud, then hardened.

It could also be the t stat. But most likely not. Most outboards run too cold when the t-stats clogged or not opening.

start with the pee'r lines and work back. If clogged just use a wire to un clog. Make sure the lines arnt callapsed or kinked. Pull apart the t fitting and everything.

Also make sure your pickup isnt clogged.

[cohoho]

Agree with Hawkenbob, check the outlet hole, it should be flowing really well, not just leaking....  On my Honda with a jet, the hole just wasn't big enough to let the small debris out that the jet will suck up, i.e small plastic trash, tiny rocks, fish guts and other stuff....  It was as simple as drilling out the hole to a bigger diameter bit, re-tapping it and replacing the fitting and hose with a larger sized outlet.  Almost every outboard was designed for prop and jet added to it later, so the sucking power of the Jet wasn't originally designed into the the cooling system of a prop...

If that doesn't work drop off the jet assembly and replace the water pump or at least tear it apart and clean all the sand and other crap that gets lodged in there.  Good time to learn anyhow cause the last thing you want is the pump to jam on a river and you can't do anything but float it out...

[roadhuntking]

What they said, but a little side note, just because the impeller looks good doesn't mean it is good, while you have it off or take it back apart and replace with a new kit, and  I think that may have a thermostat, replace that also.  And if it is peeing water whats making you think its heating up?  Replace thermostat, check all lines, replace with a new impeller kit and I would bet you solve problem.  Im not a mechanic, but I have learned my lesson on a handfull of outboards.  The last 7 outboards I have owned the first thing I do is put in a new impeller kit in. Good luck

[lokidog]

The problem is that it is a Force!  Best used as an anchor, be sure to drain all oil to meet environmental regs.....

[ICEMAN]

You may also clear a plugged coolant line/port with some compressed air....just go as light as possible to clear obstruction. Plus, ditto on the impeller issue. Many times, the veins look great, but in reality are ground off from running dry. Compare it against a new one...and replace.