Water flow on a Mariner 10 outboard

[aviator]

When I run this engine the cooling water does not flow freely at first until after it seems the engine has warmed and then water flows, rather like there is a thermostat to control flow.

Is this normal?

Otherwise the engine seems to run just fine.

Oh and if anyone has a pointer to the setting for idle mix please let me know as unless I have the choke out a bit the engine can stall coming off idle.

TVM

 

[Kawasaki]

Check the hole that the water flows out of hasn't got any crud in it.
Carefully poke something like a welding rod up it.
Poke it whilst it's running as well if you can
The pilot air jet/passage sounds like it has muck in it.
The choke will overcome this prob temporarily.
Remove the carb and strip it.
If you can get access to an air line with a nozzle that 'pin points' the air that would be good.
I also use the 'hair' of a wire brush to clean out the jets and passage.
Take the carb to your local motorbike mender and ask them to fix the pilot air prob.
They will do this kinda thing all the time and have the knowledge and kit to fix it in a Jiff.
That is, if you are not confident yourself!

 

[JCW]

I have a 15HP 2 stroke Mariner and the cooling water flow acts as you describe. There is a thermostat that controls this so your outboard is normal.

 

[Kawasaki]

Forgot to ask
What year is the eng?