SUBJECT: # 27884: Tell tail

Submitted by David Rundle (72.70.219.250) from PENNSYLVANIA on 3/24/2008 8:25:00 PM

1978 merc. Reworking this 90 hp merc that has almost no hrs on it. .Just replacing the parts that age has affected; wiring, timing belt, etc. Now it's water pump time.I cleaned out the mud wasp deposit from the tell tail . The engine fires and runs & I shut it off as soon as possible after I start it. Will it be better to put the lower unit in a water drum to check the cooling or will the muffs suffice? Also after the engine fires and idles how long should it take before I notice water at the tell tail. Does the flow have to pass thru a thermostat first before coming out of the tell tail or does it bypass the thermostat? Thanks for the help .David

1. 3/26/2008 9:01:00 AM Submitted by FreeOnBoard from TX says Experience with a Merc 40 of that vintage
   David, I ran a 40 hp version from that series, and as I recall (which may not be entirely reliable) from the maintenance manual, the 2, 3, and 4 cylinder models had a lot of similarities. The indicator stream started immediately on mine; I think there is a relief hole which allows some water to pass even when the thermostat is closed. Might not hurt to check the condition of the thermostat(s) and check that the passages around there are clear. Good luck.

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