engine cooling outlets

[SCSTWG]

Well, I failed to add the stringer line to the toolbox as I planned in the previous post and could have used it yesterday. We launched and as I backed away from the dock I could tell something was wrong. Difficult to describe, but engine was making an odd noise intermittently. Shut it down and checked the clean out ports and they were fine. Started back up and checked the pee holes. The front one (port engine) was blocked. Thanks to the forum I knew what was going on. I didn't have the weedeater line, but had some long tie wraps. The blockage was right near the discharge port, but I couldn't free it. Had to undo the hose clamp under the starboard rear seat and pull the hose off of the discharge port. Blockage was visible and in a few minutes had it cleared out. Looked like a little nest. Boat ran perfect the rest of the day. Stringer line is cut and had been placed with the boat gear so it will definitely make it to the boat on our next trip out.

 

[ncnmra]

Sorry to dig up an old post. I'm having this issue, and also found what looks like a bee's nest in one of my ports. I was able to remove it externally, but it looks like now one of the rearward outlets (port thermostat I believe) may be plugged also, although I couldn't see anything external. If I'm not getting an overheat warning, and can see water output on both of the exhaust side outlets, is it an emergency to clean it out? Are they just an indicator only, or do both outlets (per engine) need to flow for actual cooling?

 

[Julian]

Clear it when you can...but do keep in mind that these are indicators only. If they are clogged by a mud dauber it will have no effect on your engine operation/performance etc.

I used the inside of a pen to clear one when I didn't have weedeater string. Also, with the older models (2003-06), you can open up the rear storage compartment and squeeze the line to help break up the nest.

Also keep in mind that flow at idle will be low, and even lower for the port engine than the starboard (longer distance for it to flow).

 

[Cambo]

If weed wacker line does not work trace it back to the connection on the motor disconnect and hook it up to the water hose using the flush attachment or a barbed hose end that will fit the line. Slowly add pressure from the hose , mine expanded the hose slightly than blew out a bug nest. Golf tees work great, put in the hole while in storage so no critters crawl in and if you forget to remove them they just fall out.

 

[ncnmra]

Thanks guys! Managed to get it I think! I made some time today to get to the marina without kids and family. I could feel the blockage with the weed wacker line about 3 inches in, but I didn't want to push it any deeper. So I crawled in under the starboard seat cover and disconnected the furthermost hose. I could clearly see the blockage (some sort of grass/mud/wasp nest). I got some of it with some pliers, but the rest came out with a barbed end of the weed wacker line. Seems all clear now. This has certainly been a very informative thread. The video posted showing the cooling system was invaluable!

I'll see for sure tomorrow if the procedure worked, but I feel much more confident with my way around this issue now. Just wish those outlets weren't such a pain to get to under the seat! Thank goodness I lost weight recently

Golf tees are in my future. I'm going to need to make up some bright orange type "remove before flight" style markers like they use in the Air Force for all the reminders I need

 

[Bennie]

I'm going to need to make up some bright orange type "remove before flight" style markers like they use in the Air Force for all the reminders I need

I actually REALLY like that idea!! Especially when you have family members (kids) helping out. It will grab their attention and quickly show you what else needs attention.
Great idea!! - Thank you

 

[ncnmra]

I actually REALLY like that idea!! Especially when you have family members (kids) helping out. It will grab their attention and quickly show you what else needs attention.
Great idea!! - Thank you

I actually bought some of the cheap bright orange "marker" tape. Its like $3/roll, and I intend to use it for the cleanout plugs (I have left them on a few times), the golf tees for the pee holes, plug, etc. There are probably a 1/2 dozen items at least that this would work with. Come to think of it, if they were numbered, with a placeholder perhaps in the glove-box or around the throttle compartment, it would serve as a handy checklist also.

 

[Zeus2013]

Here is a tip for the cooling outlets (pee holes). Go buy a pack of ear plugs. Get the foam ones, not the rubber ones. With the foam ones, you compress the tip and insert in to the outlets. It expands and holds tight. If you forget to take them out, the water pressure will pop them out and they float.

 

[ncnmra]

Here is a tip for the cooling outlets (pee holes). Go buy a pack of ear plugs. Get the foam ones, not the rubber ones. With the foam ones, you compress the tip and insert in to the outlets. It expands and holds tight. If you forget to take them out, the water pressure will pop them out and they float.

I thought of getting the ones that are connected with the string also.

Golf tees fit great though. I used the wooden ones

 

[Zeus2013]

I thought of getting the ones that are connected with the string also.

Golf tees fit great though. I used the wooden ones

I thought about the tee's but had the ear plugs handy. Either works, I just throw them in the covers ratchet case so I remember to put them back in.