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There are two major rules when it comes to operating a motorboat, and both have to do with keeping water where it is supposed to be. Rule No. 1: Water stays outside the boat. Rule No. 2: The motor must NEVER be run without water available. Rule No. 1 is a no-brainer, but Rule No. 2 is the downfall of more boaters than would like to admit it.
Outboard motors are designed to be water-cooled. For this to happen, water needs to flow through the engine at all times. Not some of the time, not only when the motor is running hard -- all the time. At the center of the outboard's cooling system is the rubber water pump impeller. The impeller's job is to draw in water, circulate it through the engine, and prevent overheating. But the water does not just cool the engine; it also lubricates the impeller.
If you run an outboard without water, the damage starts immediately. Although the engine may not overheat, even running the motor for a short time causes damage to the impeller. This is because, without water to lubricate it, the rubber impeller spins against the metal housing, causing friction that generates heat, and that heat damages the impeller. In the worst-case scenario, the impeller will shred and fail immediately. More likely, the impeller will melt, deform, and not work as intended. When this happens, the impeller continues to fail even once water is introduced, causing further damage to it and eventually overheating the motor.
By now, you are probably asking, "Why would I run an outboard motor without water?" Let’s look at what some of the common answers are:
• Blocked intake -- this is a common issue, especially when running in weeds or mud. The first indicator is a lack of discharge, so if this happens, shut down the engine and inspect immediately.
• Sales test -- you would be surprised how many sellers, and even buyers, will start a motor for a few minutes when selling/buying just to show it works properly. This is the first step to making it a bad investment.
• Flushing or winterization
• Troubleshooting other issues
• General maintenance
Many of these are legitimate reasons to run the engine. Often, the most convenient way to do this is on dry land. But this is not an excuse for not having water available. You can do this in two ways: place the motor in an external water source, such as a barrel, so it can take in water, or use motor flushers (ear muffs). Motor flushers are the most common and easiest way to do this, so let’s review how to do so properly.
• Locate the water intakes
• Place earmuffs over each intake
• Connect earmuffs to the water source and turn on the water
• Start the engine & ensure water is exiting the discharge
• Conduct necessary checks or maintenance
• Stop the engine
• Turn off the water and disconnect the earmuffs
By taking these simple steps and using an inexpensive piece of equipment you can extend the life of your motor and avoid costly repairs. More importantly, you can avoid future breakdowns on the water.