1973 johnson powershift II 135 (water pump)

[hesson81]

Hello, we bought an 1973 mfg gypsy with a johnson 135 powershift II on it.

We were wondering how you can tell if the water pump is working or not. We were concerned that the engine was running to hot. We have seen other outboards running and the stream of water that comes out of the engine is just that...a stream of water. looks like a steady stream. Where with ours i guess I can describe it as a splatter. It's not a steady stream. Now I haven't seen any others just like mine run, but only other outboards.

Now, should I see a steady stream of water coming out of the engine, or is that "splatter" okay. Is there a sure way of testing the water pump and seeing if it is working??

Thanks for your help

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1973 johnson powershift II 135 (water pump)

I think you are talking about a tell-tale, a solid stream of water about 1/8" in diameter, your engine doesn't have one. You can install one, do a search, there are several posts on it.
You can check thetemperaturee of the cylinder heads with alazierr type temp gun. You can also use your hand, should be able to hold your hand on the cylinder head for a count of 4-5.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1973 johnson powershift II 135 (water pump)

Start the engine cold. Let it run. Hold your hand back by the two exhaust relief ports at the top of the midsection. After a minute the thermostat will open. When that happens you will see small water droplets form on your hand. That means the (vernatherm) stat has opened. I'd still recommend using a laser temp gun to check your head temps since your engine only has one powerhead temp switch. I believe those vernatherms run somewhat lower temps than the newer thermostats. Newer crossflows idle in the 143-150 range, so your normal idle temps may be somewhat less.

 

[Jone]

Re: 1973 johnson powershift II 135 (water pump)

I have also just received a 1973 135 hp johnson and an concerned about the water flow - new to boating and know nothing! Now that I realise that the two holes at the top of the midshaft are exhaust, where should the warm/hot water from the engine be exiting? I noticed that some warm water flows out of a series of holes above the intake - is this it? Any comments appreciated.