A Steady Stream

Charlie · 22-05-2007, 09:38

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 · 22-05-2007, 09:54

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

Strygaldwir · 22-05-2007, 10:46

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

delmarrey · 22-05-2007, 13:03

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

SkiprJohn · 22-05-2007, 14:18

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 · 22-05-2007, 15:54

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 · 22-05-2007, 16:02

Quote:

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.

22-05-2007, 09:38	#1
Charlie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nevada City. CA Boat: Sceptre 41 Ohana Posts: 1,522 Images: 2	A Steady Stream 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? __________________ Fair Winds, Charlie Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea. Besides holding our hearts together through long periods of separation, it had the effect of making us tolerant of each other's yarns -- and even convictions. Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad

22-05-2007, 15:54	#6
Charlie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nevada City. CA Boat: Sceptre 41 Ohana Posts: 1,522 Images: 2	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? __________________ Fair Winds, Charlie Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea. Besides holding our hearts together through long periods of separation, it had the effect of making us tolerant of each other's yarns -- and even convictions. Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad

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22-05-2007, 09:54	#2
senormechanico Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Whidbey Island WA Boat: Dragonfly 1000 trimaran Posts: 809	I'd venture you still have more seaweed in there somewhere.

22-05-2007, 10:46	#3
Strygaldwir Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Herndon, Virginia Boat: Privilege 37 Posts: 577 Images: 5	Or, algae growth. Blowing compressed air will probably clear it. I'd keep it up until I got a steady stream.

22-05-2007, 13:03	#4
delmarrey Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Puget Sound, WA Boat: Choate 40 Posts: 3,455 Images: 115	And if that don't work? It's time for a new impeller. They don't last forever!

22-05-2007, 14:18	#5
SkiprJohn Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kea'au, Big Island, Hawaii Boat: Cascade, Cutter, 42 - "Casual" Posts: 3,753	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