Why is My Outboard Motor Not Peeing?

If you’ve noticed your outboard motor isn’t “peeing” or releasing water, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the engine or its components. The “peeing” refers to the raw water discharge, typically called the “tell-tale” or “raw water indicator stream.” It’s a small stream of water that discharges from the starboard side of the outboard, indicating that the cooling system is functioning, and that raw water is being pumped through the engine.

So, what could be responsible for your outboard’s “tell-tale” not discharging? There are several possibilities, all of which require your attention:

1. Clogged Water Intake

One of the most common reasons for an outboard motor not cooling properly or “peeing” is a clogged water intake. The water intake’s job is to pull in water from the surrounding body to keep the engine cool, but it can be blocked by dirt, weeds, or debris.

Weeds or trash in the water are the biggest culprits, so be watchful for anything floating nearby and clear the intake if necessary. This can be done by briefly reversing or by turning the engine off, raising it out of the water, and manually removing any obstructions.

Occasionally, the discharge tube itself may be clogged, especially if you’ve ingested silt or sand. You can usually unclog it by sliding a small pick or similar object into the tube. However, be aware that the clogging debris may have entered the engine from the raw water side, so while this may be a quick fix, it might not address the core issue.

2. Impeller Issues

Your outboard engine has a raw water pump that pulls water from the lake or ocean and pumps it through the engine block to keep the motor cool. Inside the pump is a rubber impeller that spins inside a metal housing to move the water. If the impeller is damaged, worn out, or clogged, it may not pump water flow effectively, leading to overheating. A weak or non-existent tell-tale stream is often a sign of this problem. Impellers are maintenance items and should typically be replaced annually, depending on your boating conditions and usage.

3. Corrosions and Blockages

The raw water cooling system in your outboard engine has small orifices and channels that can become blocked by debris or corrosion, particularly from saltwater. This can prevent water flow, causing the motor to stop discharging water and overheat. Regularly flushing your engine, especially after use in saltwater, helps prevent corrosion and keeps the cooling system clean.

It’s also important to note that if your tell-tale discharges lightly at idle but improves at higher speeds, this can be an early indicator of an issue. The cooling system is critical to your outboard engine’s performance. If it fails, the engine may be severely damaged or need replacement. Regularly watching the tell-tale, flushing the engine after each use in saltwater, and staying on top of raw water impeller maintenance (typically replacing it annually or every other year) can help prevent serious and costly damage.

Our Recommendation

If your boat motor isn’t peeing, or if you need other repairs or maintenance, we suggest locating a reputable service department in your area. New Jersey boaters – especially boaters local to Lake Hopatcong and Lake Mohawk – trust Bridge Marina’s service department for year-round boat service. We specialize in Mercury, MerCruiser, Volvo, and Tohatsu engines. Fill out a service request form now to secure your spot before the start of the 2025 season.