Outboard run in shallow water

[TankEvans]

Hi people,

I recently bought a 2006 15hp 4 stroke outboard which was also serviced before I got it.
I thought I would give the motor a go and submerged it in a water tank until the water inlets were covered. I proceeded to run the motor for about a minute when I noticed that water was not coming out the pee hole so I switched it off.

I did some research online and now I know that I should have had it submerged deeper.

Will this have done damage?
I am worried about damage to the impeller.
I know its a big problem if the engine was completely out of water, but at least I had the water inlets covered, will this have minimized risk?

Please advice me, Im stressing about it now!

 

[willem wikkel spies]

most likely no damage was done.
it all depends if the impeller stayed completely dried!

did you have it idle only?
revving it hard will most likely cause damage.

your best bet would be to submerge it properly and test run it again.
then also keep a eye on it while using it in the near future

 

[TankEvans]

Thanks for the reply!

I didn't rev it or put it in gear. Just had it on idle.
If the water inlet was submerged some water must have reached the impeller I reckon?
If I look in in the manual the water was about 5cm below the lowest mark.
But why didn't water come out the pee hole?
Also, if I test it again, how will I know the impeller is not damaged?

 

[TankEvans]

Further, besides the impeller, I am assuming the rest of the engine would not have been damaged by running dry for a minute?

 

[Limpopoking]

It's probably fine. Just run it properly submerged and if you don't get the telltale stream within about 15 seconds, switch off.

But first of all, make sure that the telltale port is clear. I've had wasps build nests and close my telltales up a few times. If possible, try and force water (under pressure) through the cooling system. If you have muffs, clamp tightly down on them by hand and sometimes the water will come out of the telltale port without the engine running. If it's a Suzuki with the water pickup under the cavitation plate, it's a bit more difficult. Just try and make sure the port is clear though.

I now put small stainless steel screws in my telltales lightly turned in by hand, to keep the wasps out.

Edit: Re: damage done to the impeller... It's kinda like a young man in his 20s having a pee vs a man in his 60s... you will know the difference.

 

[TankEvans]

Thanks for the information.

The motor was recently serviced so I am assuming the telltales will not be blocked.

If the water just reached the impeller but did not submerge it deep enough, will this have also prevented water flow through the system but also prevented damage to the impeller? This is kinda what im hoping for.

Also, I am n young man in my 20's so I dont know much about being 60....

 

[MichaelK]

You may find that a little dirt has clogged the pee hole.
Simply take a piece of metal trace wire and push it into the pee hole a few times. This invariably dislodges the dirt. Its happened to my motors many times after beaching.

 

[TankEvans]

Thanks guys!

I took my engine for a quick test at a boat shop and everything seems to be fine.

Cant wait to get out on the water!