2002 DF140 cooling circuit

[Keithinmass]

Let me start by stating that this is not the typical "won't pee" issue. I took the boat out last Saturday for a day of trolling for trout. Noticed a slight dribble from the telltale at startup and trolled for 6 hours without issue. Weather cut the day short and i never opened up like i normally would.(first time out this year). Normally when i get home i hook the motor to muffs and remove the plastic telltale plug and shoot some water in it and that solves the issue. Not today. I tried light compressed air and nothing went in. I disconnected the oil cooler from the circuit and pushed more air and it went nowhere. Dropped the lower unit. Water pump looks great. Shot air up the tube where the pump attaches and i hear air somewhere around the oil tank. I checked the pop-it valve and it looks fine. Put the lower unit back on and tried muffs again. Still nothing. Removed thermostat and im getting 0 water.
i ordered a new waterpump, thermostat and zincs but im afraid its something else. Any ideas?
Side note, no water in oil, engine ran fine and never overheated.

Thanks in advance.

[Murray]

Did you try running weed wacker cord into the telltale discharge. Been more than one instance on this forum where there have been insects nesting in there.

[Keithinmass]

I did try that. The tell-tale is now freely excepting air. The problem is that no water is getting to the thermostat. I expected water to come out of the thermostat area whenever the motor runs but its not.

[Murray]

I found this post by searching “Vinegar” suggest you do the same, lots of good ideas and suggestions that could apply to your situation.

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating...m-vinegar.html

When you ordered the new water pump did you order the kit or just the impeller? Is this a salt water engine? Did you check the water pressure relief valve aka poppet valve?

[Keithinmass]

The motor is used in both fresh and saltwater but always trailered and flushed. I inspected the poppet and it looks to be functioning but at $14 ill just change it.

[Murray]

Sorry, just reread your post and you did check the poppet valve. You trolled for 6 hours with no telltale and no overheat alarm leads me to think that something is obstructing your telltale. The only purpose of the telltale is to confirm that your water pump is in fact pumping water, trolling for 6 hours and no overheat alarm(assuming it’s working) also indicates you are cooling the engine. When running on muffs are you getting water from the prop hub?

[Keithinmass]

I am getting water from the hub. My big concern is that i cant confirm that im getting water to the thermostat.

[Murray]

6ECDBDF2-8E20-4918-9066-47EAB1E4DBEA.png Start it up on muffs and immediately touch the water return hose (hose at the thermostat) the thermostat should be closed and the hose cold. As the water heats up the thermostat will open and the same hose will warm up and get hot.

I’d be willing to bet your getting water to the block based on your statement “Noticed a slight dribble from the telltale at startup and trolled for 6 hours without issue.” Six hours of trolling with no water cooling the engine I’d think you’d be paddling home with issues.

The screenshot is from a 2009 DF90A

[Murray]

Sorry can’t seem to get a clear screenshot of the cooling flow chart. An Adobe copyright thing?

[Keithinmass]

Murray, could i pm you my email address and try sending it?

[Murray]

I tried PMing you, it appears that you haven’t set up the PM feature at your end. Yes you can PM me with your email address and I will send you the screenshot of the flow chart. No promises it will be clear enough to read but worth a try

[Keithinmass]

Im having a heck of a time figuring out the PM issue. I was able to figure out the blurred picture enough to think my problem is in the area of the oil tank or engine holder unfortunately.

[Murray]

Upper right corner tap on your name and select User settings then select Account and scroll down to set up the Private Message. Not sure if need x number of post before you are allowed to private message. If you feel comfortable post your email address here.

[Murray]

Email sent

[Keithinmass]

I received the email. It kind of confirms my fear that the issue is in the engine holder. Whats worse is that it does not appear that the engine holder for my motor is available any longer. Ill make some calls on monday but it isnt looking good.