Do I need a new water pump??

[bossmannjb78]

I just got this 1978 johnson 75hp stinger from a friend, it runs good besides being hard to start, but it is unknown when it last had a water pump, it is peeing fine, should I go ahead and replace it or would I be safe waiting until after summer? also seen the replacement on youtube looked fairly easy, is this something I could/should do myself? Thanks

[lakerunner]

If it was me I would change it. It is a cheap part compared to engine rebuild from overheating. Yes it is easy to do. Nor sure about yours but some OMC outboards has a 7/16 bolt under the carb's that connected the shift linkage. If yours does you may need a jointed socket.