888 Thermostat Housing

[mtsinner7868]

Being that my intake manifold w/thermo housing is gone on a bad motor (888 setup)...... and I have nothing to compare the replacement OMC 302 motor I have to, I have to ask..... is the thermostat housing on this OMC 302 going to work on the 888 or do I have to source a Merc one ?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 888 Thermostat Housing

If you intend on using the Mercruiser exhaust manifolds, you will need the Merc thermostat housing because I believe it has 2 more ports on it since the exhaust manifolds and risers each have a set of feed/return lines on them. If you you are going to get a center of Barr/Osco center riser manifolds, then the OMC one will work. I highly recommend the Barr/Osco setup, which comes with a new thermostat housing in the retrofit kit anyway.

If you are using the original Merc exhaust system, make sure to check those manifolds/risers thoroughly before using them as rust buildup and any cracked cooling jackets can lead to water getting into the cylinders.

 

[alldodge]

Re: 888 Thermostat Housing

There are 2 different housing used for the 302 I found and both show 4 ports. One of them is here
BARR MC2962898 -

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...r=80&bdesc=EXHAUST+MANIFOLD+AND+EXHAUST+ELBOW

 

[mtsinner7868]

Re: 888 Thermostat Housing

What you linked is just the upper part as it looks. I'm going to need the lower, part #35 as well! Wish I had a better pic of it. Gonna have to look around some. I'd really like to know the porting of it or find a spec sheet on it.

 

[alldodge]

Re: 888 Thermostat Housing

What you linked is just the upper part as it looks. I'm going to need the lower, part #35 as well! Wish I had a better pic of it. Gonna have to look around some. I'd really like to know the porting of it or find a spec sheet on it.

If you need part number 889333, then enter "Mercruiser 889333" in google and select the first listing which is an ebay add.

If you need part number 60783A3 then enter "Mercruiser 60783A3" find Barrmarine.net and download catalog. Once catalog is up push CTRL and F and a window will come up. Enter "60783A3" press enter. Across from this number it will show Barr's number MC 29 60783. Replace "MC 29 60783" in the find box and it will take you to page 53. Or just go to page 53 and find the MC part number and there is a picture of the part.

Edit: sorry forgot, I don't know where you can find the specs on the part

 

[mtsinner7868]

Re: 888 Thermostat Housing

Well thanks for all the help everyone...... very much appreciated. I'm gonna check my Merc manifolds for cracks before moving forward as haulnazz suggests. No sense spending money on a housing if I'm going to have to get different manifolds where the OMC can end up working.

Would anyone happen to know the GPM of water flow through the exhaust bellows and out the exhaust at idle ?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 888 Thermostat Housing

I wouldn't be too concerned about the GPM flows. The acetone test is usually the most recommended for exhaust manifolds/risers. If you send me a PM, I can give you a good deal on a used Merc thermostat housing from a 233 (Ford 351w, same block as 302). I happen to have a spare engine sitting around complete with manifolds.