Plugging water intake hole

[spbutler]

I saw a thread on plugging the top water intake hole from 6 years ago, was wondering if many people have tried this since then and were there any negative or positive results from doing this?
Wouldn't you be getting less water or would this out weigh the possibility of engine failure from sucking air if that top hole is out of the water?

[200VEGAS]

Better yet, if its a merc, you could try scoops for about 40 bucks. Im running 2 3/4 down but i do have a 12" jack plate and still got plenty of wat4r pressutre

[gmjim]

I have an older case with the plastic insert for the pick up, i have closed of the top 4 holes & opened up the bottom 4, i am 2 inches under at the moment & i still have really good pressure.

[200VEGAS]

Yea, thats the same as mine. I wouldnt have thought you could get that high with out help. I guess ill start lifting mine...i also closed my 2 top on each side and just cleanred up the flow path a little. After i installed the scopes, i dont think i needed to do that. Hmmmmmm. Do you have a temp gauge. MY BOAT DOES FEEL GOOD AND LIGHT NOW THOUGH

[tuoppix]

What method do you use to close the upper holes?

[gmjim]

I took the inserts out & used epoxy filler to fill the holes. I cut out the divider between the other 4 holes to make two larger holes, aswell as cutting out the rear of the holes to get a scoop thing going on. i also ground on the case to make the inlets deeper & cut an angle down towards the nose of the bullet.
I'm not sure how much sense this makes, but i will post some pics later this week when my new camera arrives if you guys are interested?

[tuoppix]

Okay, epoxy filler is the way to go. The other details made sense too, even before pics. Thanks.
I'll have to build a separate water intake for my 2,4l Fishmaster lu though, as I plan to lift up to to zero level or even a 1/2 higher.

[gmjim]

Some quick pics if it helps?

http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss335/gmjimseven/intake1.jpg?t=1254636045

http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss335/gmjimseven/intake2.jpg?t=1254636089

[gmjim]

Just ignore the extra stripes that were donated by a tree branch in the river last run i had!!!!!!

[gmjim]

Also, i forggot to say, i do have a temp guage, it reads a solid 130-135 all day, infact, it was hard to get enough heat during the colder months just gone!!!!!

[time warp]

If you don't have the plastic insert the easy way is to get some stainless socket head setscrews and tap the holes for them, locktite them in the upper holes. I believe that 1/4"X20 will be the correct size, but you'll have to check it's been a while since I've done this.