1979 Johnson 15HP Cooling help

[Kathie]

" I know I should know this, b

" I know I should know this, but I don't.

I have an old 1979 (I think) Johnson Outboard. The engine is a 15 horsepower. The model number is 15E79E, and the serial number is E5057799.
It has not been used for several years. It starts and runs (at least,in a big barrel filled with water). However, I don't know where the water that goes in to cool the engine comes out? There is a hole in the middle of the shank (the area between the engine and the propeller) that exhaust comes out of (I assume that's okay, but could be wrong.) There are several slots at the bottom of the shank above the propeller (I assume that's where the water goes in). However, I couldn't see any water spewing out. I couldn't see below the water line, but I'm assuming that's not where the water comes out. (This assumption could be wrong as well.) I don't have the manual. The only thing I do remember about this engine is that when it was being used it was a little trooper.

Sorry for not being more technical. If it needs work I will take it somewhere to be done, but I would like to be informed before I do that!

Thanks.
Kathie "

 

[josh]

your engine is an evinrude mo

your engine is an evinrude model and if water is not coming out of the exhuast relife or shank as you refer to it then you most likely have a damaged impelle you can do this is yourself it is what i think is a pretty easy job the immpeller cost about 10 to 15 dollars or at least that is how much i paid for one for my 25hp all you basically have to do is take off the bolts that hold on the lower unit and i think there is a nut in the front and remove the plate in the mid section of the exhuast housing or 'shank' and seperate the shift linkage and then the lower unit should come out if it is hard to seperate do not hit he cavatation plates they are weak metal and will break easialy when yo get the lower unit off there is the impeller housing right on top the drive shaft goed through it there should be three or four flat head screws rmove them and check out your impeller if you do this your self you will save alot of money let us know what you find josh

 

[joereeves]

"Kathie.... Your engine is a 1

"Kathie.... Your engine is a 1979 15hp. The long housing between the powerhead and the lower unit is called a "Exhaust Housing". The water intake is slightly above the prop center line.... where you see the plastic screen. The plate just above the prop is called the cavitation plate. Just above the cavitation plate and to the rear, you will see a few holes or slots. These holes/slots are where water will exit when the thermostat opens but the majority of the water exits out through the center of the prop. At times, water will also exit out the relief holes which are located at the top area of the exhaust housing just under the hood lower pan.

On the starboard (right) rear side of the hood pan, there is a water telltale outlet which should expell water with a strong stream. However, that outlet has a habit of becoming clogged at times. Sometimes it can be cleaned simply by inserting a piece of single strand wire in that hole, or at worst... removing the plastic outlet to clean the debris out. I've seen quite a few, even with new water pumps, where there would be no water exiting that area due to being clogged.

If the engine hasn't been used in quite awhile, the carburetor will no doubt require cleaning. However, it may be worthwhile to try it once before going into the carb work.

Joe

"

 

[jeffery]

" Kathie, how long has it been

" Kathie, how long has it been since that motor had a new water pump in it? I'm a stickler for replacing water pumps. An old worn out pump can give out when you least expect it. Usually when an outboard motor overheats, It's gonna need big time repairs. Jeff. "