Re: Evinrude 2HP overheating and cooling
my 2 hp is a couple years older than yours, but I think it's identical. The cooling water comes out of the small holes at the back of the leg as a mist, or at higher rev's, a dribble. Mine was pumping some water, but I replaced the impeller anyway ('cause I don't think it'd ever been done), and it pumped quite a bit more afterwards, even though the original one "looked" fine.
On these motors, it's possible to have a fuel restriction at the fitting where the fuel shut off valve is attached to the tank, where the fuel line comes from. I think there is a screen in there to act as a filter.
Another issue can be poor fuel flow if you forget to open the gas cap vent. On mine, if the vent is only opened a turn or so, it will eventually vibrate closed and allow vacuum to build in the tank (and reduce fuel flow). Solution is to simply open the vent screw all the way open (until it won't open any more) then it doesn't vibrate closed.
Of course all this doesn't mean that you shouldn't clean or rebuild the carb and replace the impeller.... change the lower unit lube while you're at it. Also inspect the fuel line and replace if starting to crack, and check that the plastic clamps used on the ends of it aren't cracked / weak. Mine fell apart last season. You might also consider picking up a couple spare drive pins (also called "shear pins") while your at it. Either fasten them to the motor somewhere, or keep them in your tackle box. It would keep you from being stranded if you hit a log or something. Spare spark plug wouldn't hurt either.
Good luck.
