Water leaking out of lower unit

taqwache · #1 08-30-2008, 07:44 PM

I just purchased an 81 V20 with a 100hp evinrude. The motor is in good running condition but when I hooked up the hose to start it, there was leaking water from between the lower unit and main body. I removed the lower unit and disassembled the water pump and found a worn out impeller and bad water pump gasket. So I replaced everything, impeller, water pump housing, all seals and gaskets. everything went together perfect but once I started up the motor, it does the same thing. Is this normal? I plan on taking it out tomorrow in the Corpus Christi bay for a sea trial but not sure if something else is wrong. There is water coming out of the hose on top like its suppose to, but I don't know how much is normal.

tsubaki · #2 08-30-2008, 08:10 PM

I've had them leak all over on different engines between the foot and lower exhaust housing and not to seem to affect the cooling. Several models have a hole that pisses almost into the boats drainplug. Don't be tempted to add silicone, especially at the pump housing location unless the repair instructions state so.
Usually a hose connection will not let the engine get up temperature effectively to completely check the cooling system. You will have to get in the water.
Generally when I replace one on an engine I've had no experiance with, I'll replace the entire pump housing and all also, so as to have no question about correctness.
It's rare to have an unnoticed split in the tube to the powerhead and most people can feel when the tube is lined up properly when assembling.

THEFERMANATOR · #3 08-30-2008, 09:03 PM

Normal, just the nature of the beast. As long as it is peeing out a solid stream of water, don't worry about it.

taqwache · #4 08-31-2008, 11:03 AM

Thanks for the replies, guess I wont worry about it. At least I've got a new pump now so I should be good. I'm getting ready to head out and Ill let y'all know how it goes.

taqwache · #5 08-31-2008, 07:20 PM

Well I just got back and the boat ran pretty good. Once we got it running anyway. At first, we had to keep pumping the fuel primer to keep it running. After a while, it was fine and was able to run on its own. Although, once we anchored, and fished for a few hours, we had to do the same thing on the way back. Any ideas? Its kind of like the fuel pump is not working until the motor warms up. Besides that, I was surprised that this little 100hp can actually move this boat ok. It takes a while to get out of the water but once it does it runs very smooth.

taqwache · #6 08-31-2008, 07:22 PM

Also Ill post up some pics of the trip when I get back home from Laborday weekend.

THEFERMANATOR · #7 08-31-2008, 07:29 PM

Could be a bad check valve in the fuel pump, but you need to also make sure your not sucking air anywhere in the fuel supply line first. Fuel pumps are fairly cheap for that engine, but a bad primer bulb can cause all of your problems.

taqwache · #8 08-31-2008, 09:44 PM

In matter of fact, the fuel line is literally about 3 feet too long. I wonder if that has something to do with it. I'm going to shorten it up next time I go out and look for leaks. I'm thinking about going out one more time first thing in the morning before I head back home.

Stillrunning · #9 09-03-2008, 09:19 AM

The extra lenght should not be a problem but it does cause the fuel pump to wrok a little more pulling gas through extra line. I'd replace the primer bulb first and check all you clamps. You could also have a clogged pick up located in the gas tank or the fuel pump could be weak.