Yamaha Malta Tell Tale Issue

[Sidestep]

I’ve just purchased a Yamaha Malta. One of the newer grey/light blue coloured ones. The water tell tale is very strong but occasionally it appears to be blocking up with some crud/salt/something else. Poking the water jet hole with some wire releases it and it’s back to a good flow. So something must be in that chamber that keeps settling in the outlet hole. How can I break that down or get rid of it? I assume it can’t be impeller related and the issue is with the crud.

From what I can tell the only way to expose that part of the outlet is to unbolt the whole cylinder head off the leg.
Surely there must be a better way to break down the obstruction, but what?

 

[Goldie]

I have exactly the same symptoms from my Yamaha 6hp and my solution - if that’s what you can call it - is the same. I keep a few wooden cocktail sticks in the dinghy for the purpose. My suspicion is that it’s just salt water evaporation.

 

[Boathook]

Saltwater 'crystals' blocking the tell tale. Doesn't take much and I have a bit of wire handy for mine. Also had the same problem on a bigger outboard as well but not so often.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I got a plastic syringe (that came with kids medicine) and used that to get vinegar up into the tell tale. Do that a few times with the engine on its side or even a few different positions. Worked a treat. Previously on a more stubborn blockage, I took the lower unit off and put vinegar up from down there. Usually does the trick eventually