Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
On Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:24:06 -0700 (PDT), Frank
wrote:

On Mar 18, 9:14 am, (Richard Casady)
wrote:
On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:19:08 -0500, wrote:
I made sure the water level in the barrel was well
above the water intake.
Make sure it's higher than the impeller. There's no mark on the
outside of your lower unit indicating where it is, you'll just have to
estimate. But some impellers won't suck up water if they're above
water level.
Second thing, remove the thermostat. It might be stuck closed.
I don't believe in coincidence. The thermostat wouldn't stick closed
at the exact time you dropped it over the side.

won't hurt to run the engine without it. If that's the problem, you
can replace it later.
Casady

I took the powerhead off the Merc 3.3hp engine tonight and followed
the entire cooling system throughout, checking for any blockages.
There was none. I also discovered there is no thermostat on the 3.3
hp. I didn't think there was, but I'm a rookie with engine repair so I
wasn't sure.
When I opened up the powerhead I found plenty of fresh water still
not dried out. Indicating to me that the powerhead was getting cooling
water but for some reason it just wasn't coming out the water pump
indicator hole. Which I did clear out with wire when I was trying to
run the engine in my back yard. Everyones suggestions on these posting
I did check out. Still nothing. This is the damnedest thing.


Well, if there isn't any water coming out the bleed hole then
something is wrong. The only solution is to start from the bottom and
work up.

I have had this symptom and went through all the hassles of reaming
out holes and so on. In my case when I finally pulled the leg I found
that several fingers were broken off the water pump impeller. I was
also able, once, to install the impeller without the key (doesn't work
either). I sympathize with you but the engine is so simple that it
should be easy to locate.




Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)

I have a Honda 8 HP. There is a hose from the engine to the
"P" hole at the back of the cover. With out that hose the water
would run down the front of the shaft, but you wouldn't see it.
Maybe there is water flowing through your motor but its not
coming out where you expect.

LdB