On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:03:29 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote:

On Apr 20, 6:27*am, wrote:
On Apr 18, 10:04*pm, Tim wrote:

On Apr 18, 8:13?pm, wrote:

I have a 1966 50hp Mercury outboard engine. It appears that steam is
coming out of what should be where the cooling water comes out. Does
this sound like a bad impeller, bad thermostat or a plugged water
line?

Mike

if it runs rough, it could also be a bad head gasket allowing exhust
into the cooling chamber[s]

Thank you. *I have some dirt near the water intake so hopefully that
is the only problem.

Mike

If tht be the case it might not be your ONLY problem. if the dirt/grit
sets forced up into the lower end of your engine, it may lso have
ruined or at least cut up your water pump impellor pretty good. it's
not a complicated process to pull the lower end check/replace your
impeller.

I'd do it if it was mine.

I'll second that - if the intake is plugged, the chances of the
impeller being fubar'ed is pretty good.