TOPIC: 1972 6 hp, how hot?

Have a 1972 Johnson 6 up. This motor is new to me. Changed the impeller and was running it well submerged in a tank. Water shoots out the exhaust leg, but this sucker gets warm. Water jacket side stays warm, but the side with the plugs gets hot. I can do a three count at its hottest, and about a 5-6 count whens its cooler when placing my hand on the head. I removed the thermostat so its not a thermostat issue. It has a healthy amount of water exiting the exhaust. I would guess the head to be in the 170 range, maybe hotter?
is this normal? The water in the tank was in the high 70s.
Thanks very much in advance.....

Sounds about right. I get worried when you spritz water on the head and it sizzles...

Thanks. Guess I'm being paranoid.