97 Evinrude 115 V4 SLP Thermostats Sticking

[Hank Snow]

My 97 Evinrude 115 SLP V4 has a recurring problem. When I start the engine for the first time in spring (after being stored for winter) the heat alarm sounds. Evinrude dealer told me that this was due to two thermostats sticking after engine sat for the winter and this was a common problem for this engine. Dealer said I should race motor at high rpm's when heat alarm sounds and this should free thermostats. Is anyone else aware of this problem with this motor and does the resolution sound reasonable. It seems like it becomes more difficult each year to keep the heat alarm from sounding when I first start the engine. By the way, I had thermostats replaced first time this occurred, but the problem persisted the next spring after winter storage. Any suggestions would be appreciated...Hank

 

[Chappie]

Re: 97 Evinrude 115 V4 SLP Thermostats Sticking

Hank,<br /><br />Has the impeller/water pump been changed recently?? <br /><br />I just had this problem...unfortunately i changed water pump and thermostats at the same time so i don't know which fixed the problem. My engine would only trip the hot alarm in idle..once the rpms increased, the alarm quit. <br /><br />FYI...the water pump was a peice of cake to change but if you don't have one yet...please buy the manual. Good luck!!

 

[clanton]

Re: 97 Evinrude 115 V4 SLP Thermostats Sticking

It is the pressure relief valve sticking, not the thermostats. When you change the thermostat you should insure the valve is not a tight fit inside the grommet. I trim the plastic valve with a razer knife. SeaHorse has a fix, dont remember what it was. When you remove the old valve you can see the 4 grooves in the grommet where the fit was too tight. May also be the grommet which scrinks with age.