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AQ211A running dry

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Stefano

New member
Hi to everyone.
Before taking the boat to the lake I would like to check out it starts. The problem is I have no possibility of providing adequate water supply. I was thinking of starting it and let it idle for 10 - 15 seconds without any water. Do you think this may cause any damage?
According to your experience how many seconds can a motor idle without any water cooling before overheating occurs? The motor is a 5.0 liters V8 (AQ211A - Chevy 305).
Thank you for your feedback.
Stefano.
 
Do you think this may cause any damage?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... Overheatin' ain't the Issue,...

As soon as ya start it, you'll be burnin' up the rubber parts in the exhaust system...
 
Had the impeller just been previously wet, you may be able to pull this off. However, I'd not recommend doing this.
As Bill said, you may burn the impeller blades/fins from no water lubrication.

The AQ211A uses a crankshaft sea water pump.

Loosen the four screws, and remove the impeller..... you'll want to inspect it anyway.
While the impeller is removed, you can do a low RPM "dry start" for up to 15 seconds or so, without causing any damage.

Each year when lay up my engines, I'll normally do a quick "dry start" (impellers removed) to blow the exhaust dry. I also do my fogging during this time.
If the run duration is kept short, and at low RPM, you'll be just fine.

When you re-install the impeller (hopefully a new one), lubricate it with glycerin.
You can buy a small bottle of glycerin at a drug store.... and for only a few dollars, if that.

(glycerin will not dry out and turn sticky like dish soap does..... it's impeller friendly, and it will be good for quite some time.)


.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the quick answer.
Yes, the sea water pump impeller will be removed (I always keep it apart during winter) and will be reinstalled with glycerin after the test.
 
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