Don - Water Pressure

[03TritonBill]

Don, I recently hit an underwater log and plugged the nosecone lower water pickup on my '03 225 Opti. I noticed it right away (so I think). Never had an alarm or too high of water temp. Babied it back to the ramp and was able to pull out the piece of wood. Ran the motor again and water pressure still is too low (around 10psi) when trying to go WOT. Prior to this event my WOT pressure has ALWAYS been between 15-18psi. Pressure drops the higher I trim out the mototr. I am wondering what to check next? Maybe something is stuck inside the pickup higher up? Maybe I damaged the impeller? I am mechanically inclined and have the Merc shop manual. Any thoughts?

[EuropeanAM]

Recommend as a STARTING POINT that you remove the gearcase, pull the water pump and inspect for damage or debris.

Depending on which gearcase you have on your engine, there are ways to inspect the water passages below the impeller plate (and between the two water pickup areas of the gearcase).

I believe that removing the cover that contains the "Shift Shaft Seal" will give you access to the forward (low water intake) passage, as well as the connecting passages that transfer this water to "below the impeller plate".

You may just find some little "organic surprises" in this area.

[03TritonBill]

Don, I failed to mention I have a PRO XS lower gearcase with the bigger gears and built in torque tab (replaced due to internal disintegration last year). Are the lower water intakes accessible as you mentioned on this case?

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 03TritonBill &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Don, I failed to mention I have a PRO XS lower gearcase with the bigger gears and built in torque tab (replaced due to internal disintegration last year). Are the lower water intakes accessible as you mentioned on this case? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, they are.

[03TritonBill]

Thanks Don....let you know what I find.

[03TritonBill]

Don, 'organic material' is just what I found collecting at the speedo tube where it crosses under the shift shaft cover. Once again Don saves the day (and my budget). thanks for the help.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 03TritonBill &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Don, 'organic material' is just what I found collecting at the speedo tube where it crosses under the shift shaft cover. </TD></TR></TABLE>

It does help to know where to look.... good job!