Engine overheated

[feargalb123]

Hi, I am new to the boating thing but just bought a Johnson V4 85hp outboard. It was idle over the winter but was running fine on the mufflers and when in water pumped water ok thru the pee hole, but after about 10 mins lost power and couple of mins later cut out. I removed the cover and noticed the left side was mad hot while the right side was normal. Have taken the thermostat kit off and turned a water hose into both cooling blocks and water comes out at the propellor end.
I assume the pump is ok as the water was pumping. could some of the cooling channels be blocked, and how would I check this. (by removing the head??) Appreciate any inputs.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Engine overheated

What year is your 85?

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Engine overheated

Sounds like you got a block somewhere. If it were mine, I'd pull the head to check for a blocked passage and make sure there was not major damage.

 

[hoeser]

Re: Engine overheated

I'm with bigbob on this... pull the head on that side, check for blockage and noticeable damage. Get yourself a new gasket and check compression... even if you don't see damage there is a good chance it's been hurt.

 

[feargalb123]

Re: Engine overheated

Cheers guys, Not really sure of the year. Guessing late seventies. So I figure I'll pull the head and hope for no surprises. Is there anything I should be aware of while doing this? Just want nothing popping out!

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine overheated

If anything pops out, then you've got some really big and equally weird problems going on in there.

You should experience no snake in the peanut-brittle jar type surprises removing the head.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Engine overheated

it wouldn't be surprising at all to find the water passages plugged with sand. Mine is a '75 85hp and it had quite a bit to clean out when I rebuild the powerhead.

 

[feargalb123]

Re: Engine overheated

One more question, Exactly where is the water pump on these engines located?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine overheated

The water pump sits on top of the lower unit.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Engine overheated

You should also remove the cylinder head covers, a.k.a. water jacket covers. Replace the gaskets and clean out the crud that is probably in there.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Engine overheated

You should also remove the cylinder head covers, a.k.a. water jacket covers. Replace the gaskets and clean out the crud that is probably in there.

Absolutely, that is where i found most of my crud!