85hp Johnson Cooling

[McGR]

I just started and ran my '76 Johnson 85hp for the first time. I have spent the last month resurrecting the old motor and after a few minor setbacks last weekend, I'm happy to say it seems to be running quite well now (at least on the driveway). However, I'm concerned about my ability to determine if the motor is cooling properly. All my previous OMC motors I've had have either been so old they discharged water/exhaust mid way down the exhaust housing or relatively late models with "P" holes. However, this particular motor has neither. I believe the motor is probably cooling just fine, because it didn't seem to get too hot during the ten minutes or so I ran it on the drive. One thing that did concern me is that I didn't see any discharge out of the two exhaust bypass ports. Is this normal running this motor on the drive with a hose? I really would like the assurance of a P hole or other means to be sure the water is pumping strong. My boat does have a water pressure gauge. Can this be fitted to this motor? Any ideas or advice is greatly appreciated... Thanks

[Hooty]

You'll have to drill and tap a 1/8" NPT hole in the block but it's no big deal. You drill on top of nr. 1 cylinder just below the head then you can install a tattle-tale & your water pressure gauge.c/6Hooty

[DJ]

McGR,At most, you'll get a spray out of the exhaust relief ports while on the muffs. Muffs can sometimes be tricky on a crossflow V-4.With the cover off, and great attention to moving parts, feel the tops of both cylinder heads. If you an hold your fingers on them for a few seconds, everything is probably OK. The head temps should really not exceed about 150 degrees.

[McGR]

DJ,I was getting nothing out of the relief ports. Is this normal when running on muffs?