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hello new to site please help with telltale

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kidn1980

Member
hello all, I am new to outboard motors but pretty mechanically inclined. I was given a 1995 Johnson 130hp model number ( j130tledm) that has not started in yrs. this is what I have done so far :

replaced thermostat ( didn't have any installed)

replaced battery cables

replaced solenoid

replaced spark plugs and wires

replaced power pack

replaced water pump

here is my question, took a while to get started but got it going and everything seems to running fine other then I don have water coming from piss hole/telltale. I have a hose but it was cut so I don't know where it connects on block. I think I know where it goes but there seems to be a plug there. why would there be a plug? any help would be nice or preferably pics thank you in advance
 
I think your telltale fitting should be on the exhaust housing near the lower cylinder on the starboard side. This is a picture of a 2000 130HP Johnson but my guess is yours is identical or at least very similar. The hose with the big loop in front of the spark plug is the telltale line.

I'm not sure why someone would plug the telltale. If the thermostats are removed I'd wonder if a previous owner had overheating issues and thought that removing the T-stats would 'fix' the problem. It's also possible the PO thought the telltale was letting out too much water and was another possible cause of over heating. Obviously this is all just guessing, but it's the kind of logic I can see people using.

The OEM fitting is plastic and those hose barbs can break sometimes. You should be able to replace that with a brass adapter from the hardware store and be just fine.

130telltale.jpg
 
Thank you for responding, well I followed your pic and found the telltail plugged. I went to local marine and they had the plastic fitting so I removed the plug installed fitting and BOOM water is pissing out rear.

So since I'm new to marine life, what all could cause the outboard to overheat. So if there is to much water from telltail "can" that cause engine to overheat?

I also replaced water pump and impeller kit....not sure if it's normal but I have oil residue leaking aft of lower unit it's not much just curious. Again Thank you for response it helped a lot
 
kimcrwbr1- what do you mean restrictor? I looked down there and it seems wide open and easy flow.....the t-stats are brand new just installed them.
 
The tell tale is an " indicator " for the water pump.-----It DOES NOT tell you that the motor is cooling properly !
 
Are you testing it on muffs or in a barrel? It it best to do your tests on the water or in a large tub of water at least five inches above the cavitation plate.
 
kidn1980 said:
roger that I will test in barrel.

also is there a such thing as too much water peeing out of telltale?
Click to expand...
Using a barrel is always the best way to make the cooling system is doing the job. Hose muffs don't give you a true picture.

You can't have too much water coming out the telltale. The thermostats regulate the water flowing into the heads so as long as they are working properly you should be fine.
 
How much crap was in the thermostats? It wouldnt hurt to put a gallon of saltaway in the barrel when you test it. That should clean out any circuits that maybe stuffed up. Then you should be ready for the summer!
 
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