How can i troubleshoot my small outboard motor?

Question

I bought this old mercury 9.8 motor,  and it runs and reponds so i guess it will do for the 150 bucks i payed for it.

I started it up to make sure it was bleeding water out the top, and i ran it for about 2-3 minutes, but no water came out.

I looked at a video online on how to change it, and i see the location of the sump, the water level was above this sump. but no water came out the top.

I understand there is a shaft driven pump in the lwoer part of the motor, but before i check this, is there anywhere else i can look to check for blockages?

Also, While im very mechanically inclined I have never owned any boat motor EVER so any information about this motor would help. All i know is that its a carburated 2 stroke with F/N/R and it makes 9.8hp and has a water cooling mechanism from a shaft driven pump near the bottom of the motor.

Thanks

Harry Buttcrack · Answer

First, make sure the tell-tail hose and nozzle aren't plugged with dirt or other debris.  Run  a piece of stiff wire through nozzle into the hose, and try it again.  Still no water?  Time to replace the w/p impeller and wear plate (and probably the thermostat also).  If you edit your question with the serial number from the ID plate on the transom bracket, I'll give you a bunch of info on your outboard, including parts diagrams.
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Thanks for the serial#.  Your outboard is a 1980-81 model year.  Here is a link to the parts diagrams.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/297.cfm

Richard A · Answer

If the motor is started even for a few seconds without water, the pump wears out almost immediately. You need t find that impeller pump, and replace it immediately. Never start the motor ever without water.

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How can i troubleshoot my small outboard motor?

2 Answers