1989 Mercury 50EL Pee Problem

[cincibass]

"I recently bought a 89' M

"I recently bought a 89' Mercury 50EL, which seems to run fine about half of the time. When running, it will discharge a normal pee stream, but will all of sudden stop discharging every once in a while and start smoking out of the discharge line. Does this sound like the impeller could be bad or can anyone help me diagnose my problem? Any help is greatly appreciated!"

 

[cincibass]

I believe the serial number fo

I believe the serial number for the motor is 6148605 if it helps.

 

[galamb]

"Ben, first off, anytime you h

"Ben, first off, anytime you have steam coming out of the tell tale that indicates a significant problem in the cooling system. Don't run it anymore until you at least tear down the waterpump and have a look.

It sounds like a bad impeller or a bad seal either on the waterpump cover, or the seal between the cover and the water tube - but you need to see...

Your serial, if correct would make this a 1982 not an 89 model.

An 89 model would have a serial starting with a "0B" or "0C" (zero - B or C) followed by 6 numbers...

If your model is a 4 cylinder it will have been built prior to 85 - it then changed to a 3 cylinder and has remained that way upto and including the current model still on the market..."

 

[cincibass]

Thanks Graham. I haven't

Thanks Graham. I haven't run the motor since I had this problem and figured I needed to get into the water pump and check things out.