How do tell if motor is overheating?

[roger56]

59 Johnson FD13R Last time I had this motor runnung it seemed to get very hot? What do I need to look for as a problem with it getting to hot. Lot of smoke too. I was rebuilding the carb which is done. Now I have an electrical problem I hope to correct tomm. If motor is running hot I do not want to do any damage.
How hot do these motors get under normal operation?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do tell if motor is overheating?

If you can't put your hand on the head for more than just a couple seconds it is overheating. Otherwise there are wax temperature stick that melt at a specific temperature. Or you can use an infrared temp gun.

 

[roger56]

Re: How do tell if motor is overheating?

If it is over heating does this mean there is something not working properly in the lower unit to cool the engine ?(Impeller?) I have never worked on a lower unit of a motor Is it difficult to repair. Can I do it myself?