Re: 87 Johnson 70 Telltale sputters
test your overtemp horn - find the temp switch at the end of a tan wire high on the cylinder head. peel back the rubber sleeve and touch the bare wire to the head, keyswitch "on", a steady tone should sound.
stick a wire or something up in the telltale hose to see if any insects have nested up in there.
A misfire wouldn't have any effect on telltale stream. But an overheating engine might misfire.
A nearly new impeller can be damaged by dry running, or running in sandy water. a gasket or grommet could be letting water escape. etc. etc.
