Evinrude 9.9 1997 Yachtwin

[gathhill]

Bought my boat recently with the 2 stroke o/b. Engine runs fine EXCEPT the pee tube squirts water for about 30 sec or so then sputters and stops squirting. If I shut the motor down and wait a few seconds and restart the whole process repeats itself. Sometimes putting in gear (forward or reverse) and then nutrual will temporarily rectify the situation. I've checked the pickup strainers on each side and they're clear. I've back flushed about 5 times and still not working right. My thoughts are that the impeller isn't bad because the pee tube discharge is very good for about half a minute. Blockage doesn't make much sense because of above and also flushing each time for at least 10 minutes. I'm baffled. Anyone have similar experience ?
Thanks.

[gathhill]

Another possible reason ? Since I'm sitting at the dock and the exhaust bubbles are rising around the water pickup could that create a suckson break?
Seems like it could theoretically but enginges should be able to idle in place without that happening, you would think right ?

[SkiprJohn]

This is just my opinion and I just went through this with my Johnson 4hp.

Just bite the bullet, buy a waterpump impeller and kit and change it. It isn't a hard job and the parts aren't expensive. Try not to remove the shaft from the lower unit unless you have to. The seals around the shaft can be damaged if you aren't careful.

That cured my intermittent cooling water problems.

Your impeller has probably very little flexibility in the vanes and that's why its not pumping continuosly. If it has been more than 3 years since you've changed it it probably is time for a new impeller.

kind regards,

[ohdrinkboy]

ive got one from around 94. replaced the impeller for the first time last year. you are overdue.

[gathhill]

Thanks guys, but apparently the po had the impeller replaced last year according to his friend. Who knows for sure though. I couldn't imagine an impeller lasting 16 years though, could it ?

[ohdrinkboy]

mine did....used only fresh water though.