Outboard advice - Not pumping water

[Classic fever]

Hi, I'm considering buying a 2 stroke outboard from someone, but it's not pumping water from the the hole (not sure of name) nearer the top. I can see from discussion around outboards that this is a key thing to look for when buying an outboard and also, it seems that a common cause is the impellor needs to be replaced - which seems to be fairly simple and low cost (please correct me if I'm wrong)

My main question is, if it isn't the impellor what else might it be (I'm guessing there are also more serious things that could be wrong) and is there anything I can look for when inspecting the outboard

Sorry for the basic questions - I am a beginner, but absorbing knowledge fast thanks to CMBA members!
Thanks alot
Paul

[Alacrity]

You don't say what make, year & model of outboard? The hole you refer to is called a tell tale (or pee hole!) &, as say gives a visual indication the engine has cooling water. The common reasons for lack of tell tale is blocked hole or failed impeller, the latter being more common in my experience. Most impellers are relatively easy to replace but great care has to be taken if the impeller has failed totally - i.e. where have all the bits gone? If you can find all the bits then great, if not then you are into a lot of work to remove the powerhead & strip all the water jackets off (often a difficult job in itself with seized setscrews) to get the bits out. The other worry when looking at an unknown engine that doesn't pump is has it been cooked? If so then you will be into a very expensive rebuild. Other reasons can be incorrect assembly of the lower unit to the leg or blocked water passages.

Personally if it were an unknown engine & didn't pump I would leave well alone.

[Classic fever]

Thats great information - forgot to ask - can it take several seconds / even minutes before water comes out of the tell tale? Or should it be instantaneous?
Thanks

[Alacrity]

Should be within 30 seconds if the pump is OK.

[haventaclue]

If there is a thermostat fitted it take until the engine reaches normal running temp.before it exits the tell tale. Again depending on the age/outboard etc. etc.

[Alacrity]

If there is a thermostat fitted it take until the engine reaches normal running temp.before it exits the tell tale. Again depending on the age/outboard etc. etc.

Good point, I'm a Merc man & none of them have 'stats in the era I like!!

[floater]

Youre missing out, There is nothing quite like the nervous wait for the dribble of water to exit the bypass whilst the entire motor is gradualy shrouded in a cloud of steam.

In these instances the wait can be as long as 5 min. Just long enough to really test your retentive muscles.

As Alacrity mentioned earlier if the impeller has disintigrated finding all the bits can be challenge. I found many small bits of impeller when I rebuilt my Merc, I would guess they had been there a long time and most were in corners in the water jacket rather than blocking the waterways. However you won't know until you look.

What make and model of motor are you looking at?

[rnb]

You can allways use the lack of the motor pumping water .......as a bargaining tool to pick the motor up cheap .
Or hopefully very cheap.

[sean-nós]

Squirt a syringe full of water in the pee hole while the engine is running then pull back on it a few times and that should get your water flowing