Impelller Trouble? 1996 50 HP Evinrude tiller

[dieguy]

I was starting my motor for the first time this year today. I just purchased this boat/motor last year so this is my first spring startup. I hooked up the "earmuffs" with running water and the motor started up very easily but I dont appear to have any water circulating. At leat there is no water squirting from the hole. I only let it run for 30 seconds because I was worried about overheating. Maybe I didn't let it run long enough? How long can I let it run without having issues if I do have a water circulation problem? Is there any way of "priming the pump"? I know it is not clogged because I can blow down the hole and it seems fine. Sorry I am a newbie boat owner and don't want to ruin my motor. thanks in advance

[eurolarva]

This answer is pretty generic for I dont know evinrudes. The impeller age being unknown should be replaced and to go even further the Thermostat should be replaced as well. It would not hurt to get a service manual too. That being said I would fill a garbage can with water and make sure it is filled above the anti cavitation plate and try running it again. Some motors wont shoot water till after the Thermostat opens after it gets to 150 degrees. Some motors dont even have telltales. If it dont start peeing after 3 minutes you may want to take the lower unit off and see what is going on. Different motors take different earmuffs. Could be you have the wrong ones for your motor.

[Valv]

I would just pull lower unit and replace water pump impeller. That should have been first thing done after you bought the boat.

It's a simple inexpensive part that will cost a lot of dough if neglected. You don't know (and probably don't trust) when previous owner replaced it, just do it yourself, you'll have peace of mind the whole season and beyond.

[united jigsticker]

Valve,

Who's the female holding a baby in your avatar?

[Valv]

That would be my middle daughter Sarah.....

[Dragonsm]

If your 1996 50 HP evinrude is similar/alike my 1998 50 HP evinrude, then I'd suggest replacing it also. When I did mine, it was the first one that I had ever done and wasn't to bad to do. (Though I did have some help from the Clymer's manual)Instead of having the 6+ "protrusions" or whatever they are called to suck the water in, the impeller on my boat only had 3 (and they are little flimsy).

Unfortunately for me, my impeller started to break up a little bit and few pieces made there way through the system. (Lodged in the block on the exit part)Good luck with the impeller! If/When you get it all done, and it still doesn't pee...just look at the old impeller for missing chunks...(it will probably be the culprit)

[united jigsticker]

She's pretty

[dieguy]

Well I put the motor in a garbage can and that seemed to do the trick, I let it run for probably 1 min and I was about to shut it off and all of a sudden it started peeing. Nice strong stream. So I think i am ok. I guess I should replace it anyway but I could not figure out how to unscrew the linkage from the shift rod. It is way down inside the motor. I will probably have to take off the bottom carb to get at it which doesn't look li9ke a fun job. I have tried to find a book and everyone I found says a 50 HP is a 2 cylinder, The closest 3 cylinder I could find was a 55HP. All of them start the directions for removing the lower unit with unscrew or remove clip from the shift rod but doesn't say the best way to get in there to do it. I am going to keep looking for a better book or directions somewhwere. If anybody knows of a good book let me know, Thanks for your input guys,

[Valv]

There is not a better book, even OMC service manuals describe removal of carburetor as another way to remove the clip.

I would replace it if I was you but... it's your motor.....