1981 Johnson Seahorse

[Bluez71]

I have a 1981 Johnson Seahorse 235 hp. motor that has not been started/run in two years. I started in last night and after much priming and sputtering it came to life. BUT I did not have the usual water stream out of the "pee tube". I ran it for 30 seconds and then shut it down. I waited about 5 minutes and then started/ran it for another minute. The rubber "pee tube" is not plugged. Two questions: Does this year motor has a thermostat that could have prevented the normal stream of water until the engine heated up more? If it does have a thermostat should I start it up and let it run for a few minutes (i.e. how long?) until the engine heats up to proper temperature?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1981 Johnson Seahorse

IF THE P TUBE IS OPEN, YOU SHOULD SEE WATER COMING OUT OF IT WHEN RUNNING. THE ENGINE HAS THERMOSTATS WHICH OPEN AT 143 DEGREES. WHETHER THEY ARE OPEN OR NOT, YOU SHOULD HAVE WATER COMING FROM THE P TUBE. IF THE BLOCK IS TOO HOT TO PUT YOUR HAND ON, IT IS TOO HOT. DROP THE LOWER UNIT AND LOOK AT THE IMPELLER. DID THE OVERHEAT HORN GO OFF?

 

[Bluez71]

Re: 1981 Johnson Seahorse

Overheat horn did not go off. No water came out of the p tube - engine running or not. I'll try dropping the lower unit and looking at the impeller this weeked. Made an "appointment" with the local boat dealer to get the water pump serviced. Unfortunately it is for two weeks from now. That's what I get for waiting! Thanks for the help !!!!!!!!!!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1981 Johnson Seahorse

You might want to pull the thermostat covers and have a look while you are working on the engine. It is a fairly easy job. Might want to check the pressure relief valves and replace the thermostats. Not too expensive for peace of mind.