Typical Outboard Motor Temperature?

[srr5008]

I have a “new to me” 98 50hp 2-stroke Evinrude. I fired it up for the first time last night after putting it on my boat. After letting it mostly idle (with a few instances of revving up the motor a bit) while having it hooked up to the garden hose and muffs, I noticed the block was fairly hot. It wasn’t “scalding” hot but it definitely was more than “warm.” I don’t have much experience with boat motors, although I have a pretty strong background in car motors. I expected the block to heat up, especially being a small motor, but I didn’t quite expect it to heat up that much, that fast. I was getting good fuel and oil delivery, and had a steady stream of water so I know the water pump is working. Is a hot-to-touch block after only a couple minutes of run-time normal, or do I potentially have a problem?

For what it is worth, my alarm horn isn’t working and I don’t have an alarm gauge (systems check gauge is in the mail) so I don’t have any audible or visible alarms for overheating. I am just going by touch, at the moment.

 

[imported_bowfisher]

As a rule of thumb, hot to touch or uncomfortable to hold your hand on is normal. Burning hot is too hot. There will also be steam if its too hot.
If in doubt - replace at least the impeller - good insurance as obviously cooling is rather important

 

[jrs_diesel]

The one in my 86 Johnson 9.9 is set for 140°-145° Thats somewhat typical for most outboards. You can usually hold your fingers on a warmed up engine block for about 3 seconds before it feels too hot to the touch. Infared thermometer works really well for this purpose.

This assumes that the cooling system and water pump are in good shape and working properly. If your not getting good water flow or have a clog in the block your engine will have hot spots or a hot block. Steam from the water indicator is a bad sign too.