Yamaha F25, no water out telltale

[MadMacX]

I have a 1998 Yamaha 4 stroke F25TLRW that does not have water coming out the telltale port. Instead water pours out the front by the steering column. It doesn't overheat, but I know this is wrong. Can someone tell me what needs to be replaced? The motor is on a sailboat, in a marina, so in order to repair I will need to pull it out of the water (major PITA). Would it be wise to just replace the thermostat and put in a new water pump kit? Any hints on making this a trouble free repair will be appreciated. How difficult is it to pull the lower unit on this motor? I have worked on other outboards, but have not pulled this one apart before. BTW, this boat and motor used to be in saltwater and is now used in fresh water.

Thanks,
Pat

[boats.net]

Have you looked to see if telltale hose is connected to nipple in cowling or is it laying in cowling?

[MadMacX]

Hey Boats, thanks for the quick reply. In a word....NO. I guess I just assumed the worst, but I will certainly give it a look and see if it is detached.

Thanks,
Pat

[MadMacX]

Hey Boats,
Just to let you know, I pulled the hose from the telltale to the motor and found that it was plugged with sand. Blew it out and now it works just fine.

I just ordered a water pump kit and thermostat, so at the end of the year, when I pull the boat out of the water, I'm going to replace both of them. Not sure when the PO did either of them.

Regards,
Pat