'84 Rude 140 changing thermostats

[metriccrescentwrench]

Just bought this engine a little while ago for my most recent project. It ran well when I was inspecting it before the purchase, but I could tell that it wasn't coming up to temperature, therefore I'm going to replace the thermostats while I'm doing all the other maintenance getting it ready to go.

If you've done thermostats on this engine how the heck did you get the thermostat housing off and then get it back on? It kinda looks like I might need to drop the lower cowl, but I can't seem to get to at least one of the bolts for that.

 

[emdsapmgr]

The factory would pay you to pull the powerhead to make the job easier. Most expert techs don't. You can loosen the lower cowling for slightly better access. A 1/4" drive socket set and perhaps a swivel/knuckle will be helpful. Expect more than a few swearwords and a few skinned knuckles. Some would have you drill holes in the lower cowling-not my preference.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Expect more than a few swearwords and a few skinned knuckles.

I prefer to think of it as saying 'magic words' as they seem to magically make everything work.

Some would have you drill holes in the lower cowling-not my preference.

I'm definitely not averse to drilling holes, that might just be plan B if I can't wiggle that lower cowl out of the way enough. I just wish the lower cowl were fiberglass instead of aluminum, it'd be a piece of cake to cut out the rear of it then patch it back together.