T-8 kicker smells hot and isnt pumping water

[Northlander]

My next door neighbor has a 1 year old T8 that he is having problems with. I think he may have sucked up some sand but he denies it. Another source says its likely. Anyhow what do you experts think is wrong? Impeller and or water pump?

How much to fix and how big a job? Anyone done this on a T-8? I may tackle it if its not too much. Otherwise its under warranty so I told him to look up a Yamaha shop and get it in asap.

[marine_man]

It's probably a waterpump / impeller.. there are a few other things it could be - a stuck thermostat being one of them.

I'd start with the water pump though... you should be able to handle in Northlander... it shouldn't be too terrible.

marine_man

[Valv]

That is an easy job, it's just like any Mercury, tell him if he doesn't replace (I would service whole pump) he might lose the warranty if he overheats it.

[Northlander]

Anyone have some instructions on how to do this for me? If I do the work Im guessing it would void the warranty? Im thinkin he is better off having a Yamaha shop do it?

[ddsbyday]

I would run a wire through the water outlet just to make sure it isn't just a minor obstruction and then start thinking mechanical problems. I suck up silt all the time duck hunting and I use a bottom bouncer to open up the water export.

[Surface Tension]

Steve, I can help you with it but I'd suggest bringing it in if its under warranty.

[Northlander]

Thats what I figured. Its not my headache so Ill let himtake it into the dealer.

[stmichael]

Would this type of a fix be covered under warranty? If they find sand to be the cause of the problem? That would be great if they did, in my experiences they do not fix problems under warranty that are not due to a defect of the manufacturer.

[Valv]

Very seldom water impeller is warrantied, it's "wearable" part (just like a spark plug) but have the dealer replace it will keep your warranty going, otherwise mfg will find an excuse to void it.

[stmichael]

good point Valv.

I typically do not have to worry about warranties.

I am learning to deal with it though...WHERE'S MY FREAKIN BEER??