Reply To: 1969 4hp Folding Johnson Outboard not circulating

[Don]

OK, well you have that tap directly into the cylinder water jackets, which is before the water enters that upper elbow and exits down and out of the powerhead…So, are you saying that the engine does not overheat now that this overboard tap is in place? If so, then this would indicate that there is an issue in the upper exit elbow, or perhaps down below the powerhead where the water exits. You have already had the powerhead off, correct?? If not, it is time to pull the powerhead off…Not a big deal, as long as this is a fresh water engine…Be sure to order the gaskets first.
I don’t know what to tell you about that telltale. Adding this might make the engine run cooler only because you are bypassing any intentional restrictions through the elbow and down tube.
Keep in mind that just because you see water coming from that telltale is no guarantee the engine isn’t overheating. I guess I would keep the telltale and check block temp after the problem is solved.
Just want to back track and review this situation though…Keep in mind that the exhaust cover will normally get very hot on this engine, it is not water cooled. The head surfaces will usually get pretty “warm/hot” also. Block temp is usually checked on the stbd side of the block where the water exits down and out of the powerhead. I just want to make sure we are not trying to fix something that isn’t broken…The paint on the head and block doesn’t look burnt/discolored…
I will review this thread when I have more time….D