fuel pump rebuild

**2quick4u** · 09-08-2019, 04:57 PM

here goes i am a boat noob so bear with me

1988 90hp 3cyl merc elpto
just got it running on a stand to replace my 50hp on a 19ft carolina skiff
current issues
1. fuel pump started leaking
2. thermostat stuck i think so i removed it
3.water pump kit

so is it worth it using sierra parts for these repairs? Do i rebuild or replace fuel pump if rebuild are seirra parts worth using?
When i replace thermostat do i need to do anything with the poppet?

Sorry for all the lame questions you guys on here know so much i feel like such an idiot. I have worked on anything from a 12v71 to a chainsaw but not much boat work

**SS Minnow** · 09-08-2019, 05:08 PM

Rebuild fuel pump. New replacements, if they are genuine parts are extremely expensive. Most of what is available is Chin-Knee re-pop crap.

As far as getting thermostats to open on a stand/hose, I have never been able to make that happen. Water from the tap is too cold for motor to make it happen. Just my experience.

**SS Minnow** · 09-08-2019, 05:10 PM

Water pump kit is almost always worth the money. If you open it up and it is good, just save the parts and re-use later.

**2quick4u** · 09-08-2019, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by SS Minnow

Water pump kit is almost always worth the money. If you open it up and it is good, just save the parts and re-use later.

ss minnow where are you located

**SS Minnow** · 09-08-2019, 05:13 PM

Marinette, WI during the day, Menominee, MI at night.

**2quick4u** · 09-08-2019, 05:14 PM

so if i am getting water out the tel tale it should be properly cooling correct?

**SS Minnow** · 09-08-2019, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by 2quick4u

so if i am getting water out the tel tale it should be properly cooling correct?

Yes and no. Just because water is coming out of the tell tail does not mean that it is circulating through the engine the way it should.
If this is a stock motor, likely you are OK.

**rochelle howell** · 09-08-2019, 05:42 PM

Quick check..... Should be able to hold hand on cylinder head while running. Warm to touch but not burning hot.
Handheld infrared temperature gun = best friend.
Get one.
Always had good luck with sierra brand aftermarket water pump kits.
30 year old motor. Make sure to get wear/base plate and gasket also.
Couple bucks more, but worth it, just in case. Sucks to get held up during maintenance for extra parts.
Get new seals (2) for lower unit juice ports upper and lower, a buck or two each.
Check lower unit juice for water intrusion, and change. If you have any, replace all lower unit seals.
If you are not comfortable doing that, take lower to local reputable marine service center while it's off for the work.

**2quick4u** · 09-08-2019, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by rochelle howell

Quick check..... Should be able to hold hand on cylinder head while running. Warm to touch but not burning hot.
Handheld infrared temperature gun = best friend.
Get one.
Always had good luck with sierra brand aftermarket water pump kits.
30 year old motor. Make sure to get wear/base plate and gasket also.
Couple bucks more, but worth it, just in case. Sucks to get held up during maintenance for extra parts.
Get new seals (2) for lower unit juice ports upper and lower, a buck or two each.
Check lower unit juice for water intrusion, and change. If you have any, replace all lower unit seals.
If you are not comfortable doing that, take lower to local reputable marine service center while it's off for the work.

ok i was running it and the alarm went off could hold hand on cylinder and just warm to touch so i pulled thermostat and poppet out and it cooled right down but still had alarm? thermostat had carbon on it not sure if thats normal .

juice seals do you mean on the drain and vent plug?
was going to get a sierra 18-3214 kit for the impeller

**Merc 2.5** · 09-08-2019, 06:58 PM

The motor will cool without stats , gonna over heat without poppet guts , thing is prob water flowing to fast and dosent have enuff time to pull heat out of the block, need to rebuild cooling system imo. Water pump kit ,stats ,poppet

**j_martin** · 09-08-2019, 08:24 PM

No, carbon on a thermostat is not normal.

**2quick4u** · 09-08-2019, 09:02 PM

ordered new stat and pump and new carrier grommet and spring for poppet

**rochelle howell** · 09-08-2019, 09:05 PM

Oil injection issue may have caused alarm?
Do you have oil injection hooked up or running pre-mix?
Juice seals = yes drain and vent plug.
Stats are cheap, you're already in there, replace it, along with poppet set up as described in above post.
Cheap infrared thermometer can be your best friend, point it anywhere on block, before and after stats, top and bottom of head, etc.
Make sure your kit has base/wear plate and gasket.
How long after running did alarm go off?

**2quick4u** · 09-08-2019, 09:12 PM

once i had it started with in 2 mins water pumping whole time
i currently have pre mix in the tank and oil injection is hooked up as i do not know the status of the injection system.
fuel is 91 non ethanol and amsoil marine at 40:1
when alarm came on it was a contestant wail then went to a beep=beep beep .
in a perfect world how warm would head temp be externally