I have a Mariner 20 hp 2 stroke outboard the water pump is fine but the spout although plenty of water comes out stops for a few seconds then is OK again.

Allan, October 2010

If the water out stops, Your pump is not fine. Depends on how you get the water to it, is the outboard leg submersed when trying, or are you using muffs. If submersed, your pump is bad, if using muffs check they are tight on side, enough water available for the pump to pump. If no water comes out the sides of the muffs, again your pump is not fine.

Sheepdog, March 2011