30hp evinrude outboard water pump problem?

Question

took the boat out on the lake today, but noticed it wasnt spewing water out the exhaust like it should. but when you put it in neutral, it would sputter a little bit of water. water cooling was out, so it was getting pretty hot and i couldnt go out. so i looked at it, and noticed all the water that was being pumped was coming out of two penny sized holes on the back side just above the lower unit bracket. if i plugged the holes, a little water would spew like if you put it in neutral, but when i let off all the water would rush out of the holes again. so im guessing the impeller (in a matter of a couple days off) went bad, which is unlikely, or those holes were plugged and got unplugged (another unlikely situation), or something happened inside the lower unit (because i dont think water is supposed to be able to come out of those holes.). anybody have any ideas?

Answer 1

" im guessing the impeller (in a matter of a couple days off) went bad, which is unlikely, "

not really all that unlikely.  how old was it?  are you in the habit of cranking the motor without water hooked up?

the two holes are "exhaust relief ports" -- their function is to relieve pressure to facilitate starting, which would otherwise be made difficult by backpressure on the underwater exhaust.  Most of the water comes out down thru the lower unit, but it's normal to see water coming out those ports.

Answer 2

change the impellor