Just aquired a 1975 Johnson short shaft. Ran it first in a barrel. Would pump water with water exiting the relief port in the mid section then would quit and then start again. I went ahead and changed the water pump impeller. Started the motor and water would exit the relief port in mid section then quit. Motor then seems to get hot enough I can't leave my hand on it. After a moment the water starts coming out the relief port again and the motor cools down. Then the sequence repeats itself again. Next I took out the thermostat and ran the motor. I am getting the same results. Water is present at the relief port then stops and motor starts to heat up. When water at relief port does start again it comes out in a gusher. any suggestions?