Ran my Utopia dry for a bit? Any chance I did some damage?

[RiverLiver]

Just got my 2002 Utopia 205 Saturday. I have a week off and the temps are fairly comfortable (for northern Indiana in January) so decided to see how she runs. In a nutshell, the flush hose had some ice blockage and I started it and ran it for about 10 seconds or so before I realized water wasn't getting through and shut it off. I cleared the hose and ran it again once the water started flowing. It runs great but now I'm paranoid that I may have screwed something up.

So what are the chances I did any damage? I'm kicking myself for being an idiot. My only other boat was an I/O Four Winns the workings of a jet boat are new but trying to learn as much as I can before spring comes.

 

[XP 787]

Don't worry about it. Just remember start engine, turn on water. When you are done shut off water then shut off engine.

 

[gioakjoe]

Don't worry about it. Just remember start engine, turn on water. When you are done shut off water then shut off engine.

DO NOT DO THIS!

Merc engines you need to run the water first before turning the engine on and turn the engine off before u turn the water off.

 

[Coastiejoe]

No damage done in all likelihood. But as noted above, Mercs want the water FIRST,,, not after the engine is started.

 

[RiverLiver]

DO NOT DO THIS!

Merc engines you need to run the water first before turning the engine on and turn the engine off before u turn the water off.

I don't know how for I went into Google with this question, as everything seemed a bit conflicting, but finally figured out that water on first and off last was the way to go with the Merc.

Which is what I tried to do but the ice in the flush hose prevented it, thus the paranoid "oh what have I done?" question. Be gentle. I'm mechanically inclined and usually not this big of an idiot but I do have my moments.

 

[RiverLiver]

No damage done in all likelihood. But as noted above, Mercs want the water FIRST,,, not after the engine is started.

Thanks for the reassurance. I doubt I did either but wanted some input from people with much more knowledge than myself. I'm trying to get as much info on this boat and it's systems as I can before she hits the water but I'm in the newbie stage right now.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Just for your knowledge. [MENTION=16022]Dr Honda[/MENTION] is the man when it comes to Mercs. He knows hem VERY well.

 

[RiverLiver]

Just for your knowledge. [MENTION=16022]Dr Honda[/MENTION] is the man when it comes to Mercs. He knows hem VERY well.

Thanks!! You're not a member of a large firearms website are you? Your username is very similar to one there. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Thanks!! You're not a member of a large firearms website are you? Your username is very similar to one there. Thanks again for the help.

I joined a few sites years ago but I'm not active on them. If the person is active then it's not me,,,

 

[XP 787]

My mistake guys didn't realize it was a Merc.

 

[Dr Honda]

Sorry for the late response. I'm traveling right now.

BUT... as long as it didn't get crazy hot/over heated... you are fine. I run my engine all the time for 5~10 seconds dry, just so I can check things.

FYI... with an IO or an outboard... you can roast the water pump. It's just rubber, and needs the water to lube and cool the parts.