2001 Mercruiser 3.0. Sand into cooling jacket, now runs cold

[tntauto]

So, good day of boating today, but water level was a bit low, and a sandbar emerged from nowhere. hit it at about 1700 rpm. stalled engine. raised lower unit, prop is fine. pushed us into deeper water with a pole. engine ran fine, but temp dropped to 120, and stayed there. I'm assuming thermostat stuck open with sand having been "pumped" into water jacket. I'm a car guy, so can do the repair, but wondered if there are concerns about hitting sand, and also, are there any tips about thermostat replacement on these engines? (I was looking for parts online and ran across reference to lower thermostat and upper thermosat.) Note, this is raw water cooling. Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 3.0. Sand into cooling jacket, now runs cold

They only have one thermstat, now sure where you found this upper and lower thermstat.
Go up to the Adults only sticky, and download a manual for that engine. #26 is the one you want. #14 for the outdrive. It has the raw water pump impeller in it, which also may be showing some wear from the sand.

 

[tntauto]

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 3.0. Sand into cooling jacket, now runs cold

thanks a million!