Johnson 1958 35 Super Sea Horse RDS-20 Over heating issue/enough water in the barrel?

[ram042400]

I just put this engine back together. The impeller is new. I am running it in a 55 gallon barrel, but it is running hot, over 200 degrees on the head. My barrel only allows the water to set approximately 3" above where the lower unit bolts. Would be above the water pump housing, but it's lower than the inspection window where you would disconnect the gear select lever. My question, is this too low, for the water to be properly circulated through the motor? Just too low of a water level. If I remove the T-stat cover, and rev it up, I will eventually get water to spit out, but only after revving it for a few seconds, at idle, no way. I am just making sure this is normal due to the water level. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Rick

 

[HighTrim]

The impeller housing needs to be completely submerged, Im not certain that it would be. When I do that test, even at idle, I get a solid stream shoot out of the t stat housing.

 

[ram042400]

So you would think that I am just too low with the water? If it is covering the impeller housing, it is just barely. I just don't know if the water is getting into the housing with enough efficiency to pump throughout the motor.

 

[HighTrim]

That is what I would try first. If still not pumping, ensure t stat assemly is all in place. Ensure impeller housing not worn, plate not worn, water lines not pinched in grommets, intake free of debris, vent hole in impeller housing not clogged, etc...