1977 merc 4.5hp

[petecontini]

Hi guys this is my first experiance with marine motors. I have a 1977 mercury 4.5hp 2stroke. How can I tell if the water is circulating through the motor. Thank you for any response.

 

[galamb]

There is an exhaust relief (hole) on the back of the leg a few inches below the bottom cowl.

Running on a flusher or in a pail of water you should get at bit of water spitting or drizzling from that hole.

This model does not have a "tell tale".

If you don't have a complete history on this motor, assume it HAS NOT been maintained.

I would replace the impeller at minimum (but waterpump seals wouldn't hurt either) and get a new sparkplug...

 

[petecontini]

Thank you, is this hole on the powerhead or the lower unit? Thank you

 

[galamb]

It's on the exhaust housing (leg).

There is kinda three basics parts to an outboard.

The powerhead is "just" the motor itself (with the junk connected to it - carbs etc)

The exhaust housing is the (case) in between the powerhead and the lower unit.

The lower unit is really just that bottom portion (prop, gears etc)...