1978 johnson water pump

[Mike Horne]

Dumb question. I just bought a used 35 hp johnson. No compression i had to replace headgasket and while i was at i replaced the water pump. runs good my question is how do I know the water pump is working?and what are the two small holes on the back of the motor up near the top of the housing. I am a auto mechanic. don't know much obout boat motors.
Thanks for any help.
Mike

[Handyman1]

Hi and welcome to iboats. The 2 holes are exhaust ports and there is a tell tale - pee hole coming out from the motor cower just under the spark plugs to the right side. You did put the motor in water submerging the water pump when you started it or used muffs if not you can destroy the water pump in seconds.