Q&A for How to Run a Boat Motor Out of Water

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

I have the water on and it does not come out where it is supposed to. Where is the water going?

Community Answer

Your motor will have to warm up before the thermostat opens up to allow water to cool your engine. After you run it for a while it should begin to come out. Give it some time. If your motor runs for a minute or more, you may need a new impeller.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
Question

Is water supposed to come out the propeller when the muffs are attached, water on, motor running?

Aloha27

Community Answer

Yes. As a matter of fact, most of the cooling water exits through the prop. The "pee hole" is just a visual aid for the operator to ensure that cooling water is being circulated.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
Question

If the motor ran for 5 to 10 minutes without water going through it what kind of damage would it cause?

Nathan

Community Answer

It is not certain within that timeframe but running the motor without a garden hose or some type of water source can result in overheating.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

Can I test run a small boat motor without a propeller?

JamesP.4

Community Answer

Yes, you can start it and shift it into gear without the propeller. However, avoid revving the motor without the propeller to prevent over-revving due to the lack of resistance from the propeller turning.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Should I tilt the outboard out of the water when the boat is docked for the week, or should I leave it down?

Colton Bily

Community Answer

Tilt it out of the water. The less saltwater sits in your lower unit, the better, especially over an extended period like a week.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I forgot to turn off the motor when I pulled the boat out of the water at the ramp. The motor ran for about 2 minutes out of the water. Do I need to change the water pump or impeller on my Yamaha 115hp?

JamesP.4

Community Answer

You probably should replace it. If the outboard isn't expelling water properly and is running hot, it's best to replace the impeller.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0