I surely agree, why bother with the telltale if it isn’t pointing off to one side….I don’t think I would bother on an older tiller engine, because I am watching it all the time. Can’t hurt on a remote steered engine though….
On the engine pictured, this seems to be the best/easiest location for the telltale…I would not attempt drilling into the exhaust cover or cylinder head on most engines, you never know how thick the material is or what damage you may cause….The worst case scenario on this engine is simply replacing the damaged thermostat cap.
All that being said, it is important to note that just because the telltale is shooting a great stream of water is not a total guarantee the engine is not overheating.
