Thread: Several Questions about a 1988 Mercury 70HP ELPTO Outboard (Prop & Water pump)

I'm back yet again...

I own, or it owns me, a 1988 Sea Nymph 175 Sidewinder boat with a 1988 Mercury 70HP ELPTO Outboard motor. First issue...

Last year, and now again recently, after changing the water pump and gaskets due to the rubber arms having broken off on several arms, it once again wasn't peeing like it had in the past. We look it apart, cleaned it out again and it started having the same issue again a short time later.

Now a friend had replaced the pump and I suggested maybe he put it back in (the new one) backwards with the arms going the other way. So he dropped the unit again and put the water pump with its arms going the other way and it started peeing.

Then, a week later it quit peeing for the most part. Now it's been cleaned out and as of today neither of us are sure which way those darn arms should be running. And why it's not peeing like it should.

So that's my issue(s):

* What direction should the splines/fingers/arms be placed??
*. Are there any other hoses, pipes or the like we can and should check to make sure there is no other blockage or restriction??
*. Is there any other questions I should be asking???


SECOND ISSUE


When I bought this boat, motor and trailer via Jerry (XXXL) from a man in Sullivan, it was imacculate BUT I STILL DONT KNOW ____ ABOUT boats and motors and DEPEND ON OTHERS for suggestions, analysis and, yes, assistance. As such, I had replaced the prop with a SOLAS 1411-133-17 aluminum prop a few years back WHICH I HOPE WAS THE CORRECT ONE??

Now, I am close to needing another prop replacement BUT am curious to learn if that is the right prop for the motor, boat, and, of course, ME!

So, I am not even sure where to look, go to, or ask for recommendations other than here for I know this watercraft will not be used in any ocean, probably not the Great Lakes as well, or most anywhere than here in Illinois on Lake Shelbyville, Lake Springfield, etc.

So keeping that in mind and the limited Intel I can offer you all, is this the proper prop for my motor and rig, or, does anyone have suggestions????? Questions??? Concerns???

Should I stay with SOLAS or maybe look for another brand, and if so, what brand and model (and what pitch, etc.)???

And, as usual, thank you all in advance for your counsel and consideration.

You know when you don't grow up around watercraft of any type, nor have mechanical experience(s), other than what many on here have, the responses by you all greatly assist so many!!!


Thank you all!!!