Why is my 40 horse mariner not pumping water?

Question

Why is my 40 horse mariner not pumping water?

Answer 1

it could be several things, first i would check to see if an insect has taken up home in the water outlet. take a small screwdriver and see if there is debris in the water outlet.

if that is okay look at the inlet screen on the foot of the motor if that is not covered or clogged by something then i would say something is going on with the impeller. to get to this you will have to take the lower unit off the motor, hope the first one will get you going

Answer 2

Before you panic and pull the lower unit, check the indicator tube. I have plugged mine comming into boat ramps with mud and you will see no signs of anything untill you take a wire and clean the opening on your indicator line. Also it is easy to take the cover off and just disconnect the hose and crank the motor over. Water should fly out if your impeller is OK. Watch your fingers by the fly wheel when the cover is off. I hope this has been a help to you.