what year was overheating alarm installed?

[pie fisher]

i have a 1979 evinrude 85hp. talking to mechanic before i rebuild the boat and he said to put new water pump in if water coming out was hot. so after some research i don't think it needs replaced, water is warm but not scolding and an alarm should be sounding. i was just wondering if any of you knows if my motor would have one or not.

thanks !!!!

 

[boobie]

Your motor should have an alarm in the control box if you have the side mount.

 

[Faztbullet]

Water pump and oil are the life of the engine....your warm may be hot to me,replace it.

 

[racerone]

Overheat alarms have been installed on motors ( OMC ) since the early 1960's.----Not many folks test or know how to test the alarm.

 

[F_R]

Do NOT wait for the alarm to go off before replacing the water pump impeller. When it goes off it is way too hot and at the brink of total destruction. Heck, I've seen lots of them burn up and the alarm never did go off.

 

[pie fisher]

ok i am fairly mechanical with cars. is this a project i can attempt, or will i really screw something up? the only boat mechanic in town said about 400 to replace. i dont want to hurt the motor, the motor did sit in an old barn for 6 years before i got it. has ran like a champ for last 2 yrs. is there any other parts i should replace or have replaced besides oil? and now water pump?

 

[racerone]

Impeller is about $50.00 and easy to replace yourself.

 

[F_R]

Shift rod disconnects below the carburetors. Reach it with a wobble socket and long extension. Then unbolt the lower unit gearcase. You have to remove the trim tab to access one bolt. Now the gearcase will drop down and away and water pump will be looking at you. Do not rotate the shift rod.

 

[boobie]

Look back on the cyl head for the temp sender. It has a tan wire going to it. Disconnect the sender, turn on the key and ground out the wire coming from the wiring harness. At that time you should hear the horn sound if all is okay.