5.0lx thermostat housing check balls

[newtoboat101]

what are the check balls for? looking to replace thermostat housing 1988 5.0lx ,but what are check balls for ,some thermostat housings come with check balls and some without check balls

 

[Bt Doctur]

Depends on the system being used . Basically with the therm closed water must exit the motor to cool the rubber components and the hot exaust..With the therm closed water is forced out the check balls into the riser to cool things. Once the therm opens ,the spring tension closes the balls sealing them and the flow is now thru the manifolds, into the riser and out the exaust

 

[newtoboat101]

thank you for the explanation now i understand difference

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... If yer system uses the check-balls, 'n ya take 'em out,...
Ya end up with intermittent overheatin' at idle,....
Been there, done that,...

 

[newtoboat101]

No Title

ok put boat in water 1988 5.0lx alpha1 gen 1 (sei 106 outdrive)started up motor didn't get alot of water out of port side of exhaust ,good flow on starboard side ,port side exhaust was getting very hot ,and increasing , the motor temp was 160 steady,,so we shut it down my friend and i are looking at cooling system ,which looks like a hatch it job,do you think the type of thermo housing i have on there could be restricting water flow from only port side please look at pics and help me get correct thermostat housing ,hoses and check the exhaust style to make sure i am able to put a thermostat housing /check balls .will these exhaust work with hoses coming from check balls has anyone else ever experienced this problem low water flow port side, also note i have no sea water pump on motor all water coming from sei 106 outdrive thanx

 

[newtoboat101]

after a little research i think i am gonna take port riser off tonight and check for blockage anybody have experience in taking and blowing out port exhaust please chime in

 

[JoLin]

It's a straightforward job. The exhaust hose will probably be stuck to the riser and y-pipe. Loosen the clamps and use a screwdriver or radiator hose puller arounfd the lip to break it free.

 

[old bird]

I also take soapy water and a paint brush and slosh it between the hase and elbo as I work a thin screwdriver around.

 

[newtoboat101]

took port riser off ,did not see any problems poured water down exhaust with bucket on exit hole near outdrive water came out with no restriction ,so put back together ,now will consider thermo housing with check balls to get more water down to cool risers

 

[indybleck]

Sometimes the balls will get stuck, make sure they move free.

 

[Blueghost924]

Ayuh,.... If yer system uses the check-balls, 'n ya take 'em out,...
Ya end up with intermittent overheatin' at idle,....
Been there, done that,...

Lol - yes I have too. I replaced the lower thermostat housing in my 1986 350 5,7 earlier this year. The kit included the T with brand new check balls, springs, connecting rod and locknuts. I barely tightened down the locknuts - they were way too loose. I was hitting around 180 at idle. Brought it back in and tightened those things down - now idles at 150.

 

[newtoboat101]

thanx when i replace i will be checking that ,did some more thinking on my problem i have port side riser getting to hot and not enough water flow out port side alpha 1 gen 1 outdrive , if you check my picture i have standard cooling system with no check balls ,lol,no balls at all,HERE'S my question can a standard automotive hose restrict water from thermostat hose to the exhaust and riser, boat came with this setup so i assume its just an auto hose on there