Question: Do they put thermostats in io boat engines?

(Posted by: on 2010-08-29 07:29:34)

I have a302 ford engine in my boat with a 888 mercruiser stern drive do they put thermostats in the engine like a conventional automotive engine would have

Posted by: Paul on 2010-08-29, 11:54:52

Yes it the same motor you would have in your truck

Posted by: Capt Mac on 2010-08-29, 13:53:38

Hello, The Mercruiser engine you have is a standard Ford 302 with marine equipment attached. You must have a thermostat in your engine or else the engine will never reach an optimal temperature. With no thermostat the engine may never get above 130 degrees, this would cause fuel to condense on the cylinder walls while the engine is running. At best this will give you poor fuel economy, at worst; it will thin your oil and cause poor lubrication. You'll find your thermostat on the upper front portion of the engine block. If you have an open cooling circuit (no coolant tank) then sea water will circulate through the engine and be controlled by the thermostat. If you have a coolant tank then fresh water and coolant will circulate through the engine block and the fresh water is cooled by a cooler bundle that uses sea water. This keeps sea water out of your engine block adding several years of life to the engine.

Posted by: 45 auto on 2010-08-29, 15:24:26

Yes 145 Deg open system and 165 Deg Closed system.

Posted by: jtexas on 2010-08-30, 05:44:05

Some marine engines have been designed without thermostats...but the Ford motor will for sure have one. It'll run with the 'stat removed, but it ain't good for the motor.