4.3 120 HP Thermostat Issue

[111torrance111]

I have an 1986 4.3 liter engine I recently purchased, I alway like to know what the engine tempature is. The guy I bought the boat from said he just installed a new thermostad (Which does look new) a few weeks ealier, the problem is the boat need to run for almost 30 minutes befor it registers anything. All my other boat came up to running tempature within a few minutes, however all my other motors where outboards and this is my first I/O motor.

Is there something I can do to either test this system or find a more reliable way to confirm engine temp.

Thanks/Jerry

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 120 HP Thermostat Issue

You can use an IR thermometer to check temperature and compare to the gauge.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 4.3 120 HP Thermostat Issue

Normal operating temp for that engine should be around 160*

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 4.3 120 HP Thermostat Issue

^^^^^^^^...yep,160*

That motor is also more than 120 hp.
more like 180 hp depending on if it has the four barrel carb.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 4.3 120 HP Thermostat Issue

The temp sending unit or the temp gauge itself may be bad...I would try using an IR thermometer as suggested in a previous post, or swap out the temp gauge for one that you know is in working order...

 

[achris]

Re: 4.3 120 HP Thermostat Issue

For some reason thse engines take an age to warm up. I had a 4 bbl version before the engine in my signature and I'd let it idle for just a few minutes, then head out. It got to normal temp reasonably quickly once it had a bit of load on. When I flushed it on the muffs, it never reached temp.

Chris..........