Adding tell tale to '76 Evinrude 9.9 -- where to drill?

Hi All,

My '76 9.9 lacks a tell tale. It isn't overheating, but I sure would like to know that all's well in the water flow department before any bad things start to happen.

I've read the Machinist's page that discusses adding a tell tale (link here: http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Johnson 9.9_15.htm), and searched and found a few threads here but before I put a hole into any part of the power head I want to be REALLY REALLY sure I know exactly what I'm doing.

Here's a pic of the water jacket/exhaust cover (starboard side of head):


Looking in the factory manual, it looks like the area covered by the raised "X" is over just exhaust, with the water jacket outside of that. That would suggest I need to drill into the thicker areas toward the perimeter of the cover.

I'd love to hear back from anyone who has successfully added a tell tale to this type of motor, with specific description or (even better) pics of where you drilled.

Thanks so much!

May all your outboards pee forcefully!

Re: Adding tell tale to '76 Evinrude 9.9 -- where to drill?

You apparently have a late 76 water jacket cover. The X would be about the right location, but anywhere in that area would be fine as long as you leave room to thread the leg of the Ell in.

Re: Adding tell tale to '76 Evinrude 9.9 -- where to drill?

Thanks Machinist!