Water pump acting funny?

Let me save you some time, money or both.
I went to the river today, started the ’01 90hp Merc. Noticed the water was just dribbling out (otherwise know as prostate problems). I haven’t been out for a week, but it was working fine then.
After pulling out the lower unit and realizing there was nothing wrong with the water pump. I place the hose on the tube that would normally acept the water from the pump. It didn’t come out very well.

To make a long story short. I disconnected the hose that goes to the “pee hole”, at the motor, blew air in it backwards and out came to Asian Lady Bugs!

Moral: If you think your motor is too new for the water pump to go out, check the top end first!

Beach Brian

YOU HAD ASIAN BEETLES IN YOUR PEE HOLE?? OUCH!!!!

Seriously though, I carry a length of 80LB. test mono tied to the motor of my duck boat. When it gets plugged up form weeds or other stuff. I stick the mono in the water discharge and unplug it. The mono works great because it is stiff enough to clear the obstruction.

Gator Hunter

I fish the uppper Croix and repeatedly clog up with sand. I keep a bottom bouncer around for just that purpose. I also took out that pee plug and drilled it a bit wider.

Brian,
I have the same motor. Is that much of a job? Mine is on a trailer in my garage. I’ve noticed the last couple of trips out that the water out of the “pee” hole seemed stronger earlier in the year. It still seems to be moving water through fairly well. How much should it be discharging?

Caution! Don’t get in too big a hurry to drill the peehole on those newer motors especially the 4-strokes. They have a restricted size for a reason. The restricted size is to let the motor reach operating temperature sooner. This time of year when we do a lot of trolling in cold water temps the motor won’t reach operating temp and you’ll end up with some unburned fuel in the oil. Got a friend who found out the hard way.

SteveO,
It took me about an hour to pull the bottom off my Merc and replace it. But then again, I take a lot of breaks.

Standing on the left side of your motor, there is a hose coming out of the cylinder head which goes to the exit hole…(I’m staying away from referring to it as a pee hole ) clip the plastic clamp and blow some air in the exit hole. You will need a new plastic zip tie to secure the hose.
For the bottom end of your motor and the water pump, send me a pm with your phone number, if you plan on doing it yourself. If you can lift about 75 lbs and handle a wrench (righty tighty, lefty loosey) you can do this yourself.

Bugs in the pee hole?

Brian,
I think I’ll have the dealer check that out when I get it winterized. It doesn’t seem to a strong enough stream right now…

Ha, was out snooping around my boat today and found that a mud dauber plugged the pee hole on my outboard. Sort a gives you some idea how much I’ve been able to get on the water this year.

Save the maggot! Works great for ice fishing! I have my battery chargers hanging from the ceiling (no onboard ones) and they keep plugging up the screw holes. Well, not for the last couple months now….you’re right Herb, you haven’t been fishing in a while….get going. The bite should be on!….But you couldn’t prove it by me!