outboard water level

[Frank mellin]

I am trying to set up my evinrude 14hp engine but couple of queries.
When i try to run engine in test tank no tell tale water coming out.
What level does water need to be at to work.
I was told that engine should sit with cavitation plate just skimming water.
You will se from pic that the water inlets are above the plate so cant see how that will work.
Should water level be higher in order to pump water
Youve probably guessed from this that my knowledge of outboards is very limited so apologies for my ignorance but some expert guidance would be appreciated.

 

[spannerman]

Inlets need to be well under water or use muffs on a hosepipe.

 

[Farmer Piles]

I would fill the water until it is up to the flange or joint above the cavitation plate. It will be fine at that level and will compensate for any froth and bubbling made by the exhaust, that might be affecting the water uptake. Also, hold the right sized drill bit between your thumb and fore finger and just gently twizzle it up into the mouth or end of the telltale, very often there is a build up of salt which is enough to stop the water coming out.

 

[QBhoy]

I’m going to hazard a guess, that the ports you refer to that are above the Av plate...aren’t the water intake ports. May be wrong, but I’d be amazed if they were.

 

[Frank mellin]

I’m going to hazard a guess, that the ports you refer to that are above the Av plate...aren’t the water intake ports. May be wrong, but I’d be amazed if they were.

Hi,they are the only inlet ports on the engine so I think they must be right,I know what you mean though, they look very small and dont look capable of a decent water flow.
I am desperately trying to find a manual for this engine to confirm.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi,they are the only inlet ports on the engine so I think they must be right,I know what you mean though, they look very small and dont look capable of a decent water flow.
I am desperately trying to find a manual for this engine to confirm.

Unless it’s designed to not have a planing boat in mind ? Not sure. Is there any sign of an intake on the front end of the lower unit ? Not an engine I’m familiar with at all, to be honest.