No Water Pressure?

[Eric R]

Hi all,



My newly acquired '98 185 Sport SF will not read any water pressure when out on the water. The engine seems to run fine, but when I took it out for a test drive, I couldn't get any pressure to show on the gauge.



Could this be a gauge problem? Possibly a wiring/hose problem? or even worse, an engine problem? Where should I start in diagnosing the issue?



Thanks!

 

[Mike Clayton]

Could be several things but need to know motor make, horse power and even serial # for anyone to chime in.....

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Also, does it have a tell tail stream? Are you getting any warning horns?

 

[Eric R]

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of info. I'm pretty new to this stuff but am learning fast! It's a 1998 Mercury 115, serial # 0G604841.



If the "tell-tale" stream is the small, solid stream of water that shoots out of the side of the motor, yes, that was there the entire time.



Thank you both for your replies!

 

[Bob Bourget2]

That is a pressure operated gauge. Remove the hose from the back of the gauge and with a LITTLE air pressure, check to see if the needle moves. If it does, there is more than likely a clog from debris at the fitting on the block, a kink in the hose, etc.

 

[Eric R]

I'm assuming a kink/clog is better than it being a "no-pressure" issue. I'll check and see if I can run some air into it.



Thanks again!

 

[Bob Bourget2]

That's correct. Your motor has "HVC" or "high-velocity-cooling", which is a low-pressure system....but...high volume. You should see a solid, constant stream at all rpm's.....

 

[Duane Mauzy]

If you are running this motor and no alarms I agree clogged hose or malfunctioning gauge.

If no water from the tell tail, I would change out impeller pump.

 

[Eric R]

You guys are great. When you say no "alarms", are you referring to an audible alarm or a light somewhere on the dash?

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Audible alert other than the tones when you first turn the key.