New Johnson...couple of questions

[csvencer]

So I picked up a 99 Johnson 175 for cheap, basically what I sold the blown yamaha for, so nothing out of pocket yet. Now I have a couple Q's. I can get her running but only with a shot of engine starter in the carbs. Once she is running it is fine. I can't her the choke solenoid (not sure if I can, used to be able to on the yamy) when I choke it from the throttles. First Q, how can you manually choke it? Is that what the red knob is by the schrader valve? Also how can I tell if she is getting enough water pressure (no pressure gauge) is there a temp the heads shouldn't exceed? Lastly, how can I check to make sure the VRO system has oil and is running? There is oil in line and in the tank, just not sure if the VRO system is pumping into the mix. I know, I know, just disconnect and run mix, I would rather not unless the system is dead.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-Svence