help with Merc 3.9 outboard...

[elborba]

Hi gang...Elborba here, first post, so i hope i am doing it right.
I own a Catalina 22 from 1974, hull# 3066. I am in the middle of a major rebuild on this boat. (me and the missus call her "Wild On 3"). I recently purchased an Mercury 3.9,circa 1966ish. It runs pretty good, but there don't seem to be any pee stream coming out of it anywhere to indicate if it is getting any water circulation. Cant find any info on this motor. I was hoping one of you might have a little experience with this vintage? Any input would be much appreciated!

[dabnis]

Not familiar with your particular motor, however I think most motors have a "telltale" water outlet that you can see? If you see a hole somewhere around the bottom of the block or in the lower unit you might try probing it with a piece of stiff wire. In any event you should be able to touch the head when running if it is pumping water. A more comfortable and accurate way would be to use a hand held infra red temp gage. It shouldn't run over about 160 degrees. Shops used to sell a crayon type of stick that when rubbed on the head would melt over that temp. Not sure if they are still available. Let us know what you find.

Dabnis

[smallboatlover]

that motor might be air cooled just saying.