Johnson 1991 60hp temp?

[bronzback1]

I recently rebuilt a 1991 60 hp Johnson motor. It runs well but I was told it heats up too much. I replaced the water pump and thermostat. It appears to heat up to about 163 degrees or so. I determined the head is from a 1994. The thermostats are completely different. Is a different year head the problem or is it running at the right temp? I think the thermostat is a 145 degree one? Any thoughts?

 

[jimdd810]

Re: Johnson 1991 60hp temp?

If your running the motor and can hold your hand on the motor for about 2 seconds with out tearing off skin then your ok.

 

[bronzback1]

Re: Johnson 1991 60hp temp?

Thanks, but I would rather not loose any skin! Is there a proper operating temp that this motor should run at? + or - what degree? I cannot find the answer in the manual I have.

 

[jimdd810]

Re: Johnson 1991 60hp temp?

Thats because there is no answer to be found. The thermostats open at that temp they are rated for. They do not really impede the water flow that much just enough to let the motor warm up. Water temp going into the motor as well as how lean or rich a particular motor runs will determine how hot or cold the motor is.
That being said the touching trick is the easiest way to tell if a motor is running to hot. I was making a joke about loosing skin. If you can hold your hand on the motor for a 2 count one onethousand two onethousand with out pulling your hand away then your doing good.

 

[bronzback1]

Re: Johnson 1991 60hp temp?

Thanks for the info. I will keep an eye on it ( or hand ).