2002 90hp 2 cycle cooling system weep hole

[westrek]

Just purchased a well cared for 2002 90hp 2cycle oil injection engine. I just replaced the water pump impeller and associated gaskets. The engine is in a tank so there's plenty of water available. Upon cold start there is only a slight amount of water coming out of the hole on the side of the engine and lots of water coming from the hole right above the front gear lube vent plug. Does the thermostat have to open in order to see "peeing" from the side hole? I haven't ran the engine very long for fear there was a problem. I did run a small wire into the hole to make sure it wasn't plugged. Thanks for any comments.

 

[mechanicman]

Yes. You have to run it longer. The thermostat needs to open. Before water comes from the tell tale.

 

[westrek]

Thanks much for your response. The owners manual is rather ambiguous in this regard.

 

[mechanicman]

Anytime my friend.