Volvo MD7B, not much cooling water

[Nordild]

My new to me boat (since June last year) has a 30 year old Volvo MD7B.
It runs smoothly, and start after cranking 1-2 seconds (literally).
I used to have a fresh water cooled engine, which spewed out a lot of cooling water, but this one, very little..
It doesn't get hot and the exhaust (elbow) is only luke-warm when touching it after running for a while, but I really don't see much water comming out the exhaust.
I can see that one should check the impeller, thermostat and elbow for clogging, but do I really have to, when it all seem ok, besides very little water comming out? I mean is it normal that a raw-water cooled engine just spews out much less water?
I would really like to just go sailing now and not messing about with the engine, if it is not needed.

 

[vyv_cox]

If you are certain there is no problem then don't do anything. I would check that the inlet seacock and strainer are clear of fouling or debris and it will certainly do no harm, and take no more than ten minutes, to take the cover off the pump to check that all is well.

 

[2Tizwoz]

You say everything is cool, so that sounds fine, but have you run it under load at full revs?

The exhaust elbow does need periodic cleaning to maintain a good flow.

Vyv has further outlined the usual places to check. If it's a saildrive the leg can become restricted internally with shellfish or similar taking up residence.