A Steady Stream

[Charlie]

No this is not a prostrate question. About two years ago I bought a Honda 10 hp engine from the early '80's. Started up on the second pull when I bought it. Used twice on my 22' daysailer then found that I could just use my electric trolling motor on the lake b/c the only time I used it was when there was no wind. Engine sat for two years. Pulled it out and it started on the second pull. But there was no water coming from the pee hole. Turned it off. Waited awhile started it again still no water. Took it apart. Blew out the water lines pulled some plant matter out of the pee hole and water dribbled out and finally started coming out with a wide stream. I am used to seeing a steady compact stream coming out of an outboard. The water that comes out now is coming out in a wide stream and occasionally stops (for less than a second) and then comes out again. The stream is stronger when there are more RPM's. Should I continue trying to blow the chamber out with compressed air or is it ok?

[senormechanico]

I'd venture you still have more seaweed in there somewhere.

[Strygaldwir]

Or, algae growth. Blowing compressed air will probably clear it. I'd keep it up until I got a steady stream.

[delmarrey]

And if that don't work? It's time for a new impeller. They don't last forever!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Charlie,
Sometimes with some outboards if the impeller sets in one position for a long period of time a vane or two becomes permanently deformed and brittle.
It is a good sign that you have a stream of water. A little more cleaning might be just what it needs. As long as it streams I wouldn't replace the impeller. Wait til its broke.
JohnL

[Charlie]

I've got a sears 2100 PSI pressure washer. I'm thinking of blowing water thru the hole with that. But am worried about the inner working of the engine. Any opinions?

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by Charlie

I've got a sears 2100 PSI pressure washer. I'm thinking of blowing water thru the hole with that. But am worried about the inner working of the engine. Any opinions?

Just remember this very wise saying:

The enemy of "Good" is "Better".

I've experienced this many times in my life.

Steve B.