2 Stroke Thermostat?

[Salmonseeker]

Hi, <br /><br />I have a 2004 50HP 2 stroke Johnson.<br />I just finished winterizing my motor and noticed something in the owners guide.<br />It says to check and verify thermostat operation annually. <br />Does my motor have a thermostat? How important is it to check?<br /><br />Thanks in advance Jason

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

It's important to do a lot of things annually ... in saltwater. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Yes it has a thermostat. The parts diagram on the BRP website will help you locate it. Test it if you think it might be faulty

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Thanks, How would you know it is faulty. Is there any signs.<br /><br /><br />Jason

 

[mikeyzx2]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

if 'stats stuck closed, it'll overheat. stuck open, runs too cold and fouls plugs, plus excessive cylinder wearing. there's a recent post where Joe Reeves explains it.<br /><br />EDIT: the heads will be cool to touch if 'stats are stuck open. they'll be too hot to touch if closed. <br /><br />Ya'll feel free to add to this, I kinda only know the basics of it...

 

[MCM]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Did your manual say how to check/verify the t'stats operation? As mikey said if its not overheating and its not running to cold its working properly. To verify this annually you could take it to a repair shop. or you could acquire an infrared temp gun and test it yourself to verify its within acceptable ranges. Then there's always the heat sticks.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

or just run it till it fails and purchase pistons and a t-stat. my experience shows the price of the t-stat did not change.<br /> I usually reccomend an everyother year replacement when doing the water pump. if ya wait till the horn goes off, if it actually works that day, ya may find out how cost effective maint actually is.

 

[MCM]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

I agree with rodbolt, replace every couple years and definately do not rely on the bells & whistles to tell you when you have a problem.

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

...replace every couple years and definately do not rely on the bells & whistles to tell you when you have a problem.<br /><br />Particularly in saltwater!

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Thanks guys,<br /><br />I only run the motor in freshwater. I never knew outboards had thermostats. The owners manual(small handbook that came with motor) did not specify how to check/verify the operation. <br /><br />I really gotta get a repair manual. The only problem is I have to go to the dealer and get a genuine OMC book. They don't make an aftermarket manual for my year(2004) of motor. I have heard the OMC manuals are geared more toward mechanics and don't give very detailed instructions on repairs. <br /><br />I can get an aftermarket manual from clymer that covers up to 2003. I believe this is the same moter as mine. Can anyone verify if a 2003 is different from a 2004? Both are 50HP 2 strokes.<br /><br /><br />Thanks in advance<br />Jason

 

[MCM]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Jason,<br /><br />If your going to spend the money on a manual, buy the OEM service manual. It is specific to your motor. The Clymer and Seloc manuals try to cover too many motors to give detailed specific information & instructions on any one motor.

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Good point Mike,<br /><br />Do they actually give you detailed instructions on disasembling and assembling the motor, or are they just for specs?<br /><br />Thanks Jason

 

[MCM]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Much more detailed than an aftermarket. If you want detailed diagrams you'll need to get the OEM parts catalog, it comes in very handy when doing any dis assembly work.

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: 2 Stroke Thermostat?

Sounds good, I'll look into getting an OEM manual as a start.<br /><br />Jason