I changed the thermostats and impeller on the 88 SPL today.<br />After readeing and re-reading the manual I figured I could do it. Ordered the parts and got them Thursady. 70.00 bucks total.<br /><br />Did the thermostats first. Not much room for the 7/16 wrench.... took some time to get the three bolts off.<br />Cleaned all surfaces, used Evinrude Gasket Adhesive on the gaskets. The manual wasnt real clear on 1 gasket's position so I installed them like they were when I took apart the thermostat housing. The old thermostats looked like crap. Maybe why the engine temp alarm went off last week during a wot run. <br />After several attempts I got the housing, springs, etc. in the correct position and got a bolt started in enough to hold the housing in place.<br />Piece of cake after that.<br /><br />Next was the impeller.<br />Got everything off ok. The manual was fairly clear on this. Cleaned all surfaces. The old impeller was in good shape as it is flexible. Some of the gaskets on the housing were showing signs of wear and cracking. <br />I put the new impeller in as in the same position as the old one, put it all together and bolted it to the lower unit.<br />Got the lower unit positioned correctly, pre greased the shaft, it slid home. (damm, sounds like porn)<br />Got a bolt started and in enough to hold the lower unit on.<br />Got all the bolts tightened, put the skeg, (is that whats it called) in the correct position.<br />Hooked up the shift linkage, prop on, then water test on the mufflers.<br /><br />Had a leak from one of the water hoses, new zip tie took care of it. Small leak from the pee hose, cut and zip tie took care of that one. <br /><br />No leaks from the thermostat housing.<br />Water pump had a strong stream from the pee hole.<br /><br />The job took me about 3-4 hours. 
<br /><br />You guys that turn a wrench for a living have to have a passion for it.<br /><br />My back is sore, my left forearm cramped up, greasy hands.... but it was worth it. <br /><br />Dunno how much I saved on labor if I took it to a shop, anyone have some figures. Maybe if I tell the wife how much I saved I can get some GPS goodies I was looking at. A freind gave me his Magellen 330 GPS as he bought a new one. I need the pc/data cable and a holder for it.
<br /><br />You guys that turn a wrench for a living have to have a passion for it.<br /><br />My back is sore, my left forearm cramped up, greasy hands.... but it was worth it. <br /><br />Dunno how much I saved on labor if I took it to a shop, anyone have some figures. Maybe if I tell the wife how much I saved I can get some GPS goodies I was looking at. A freind gave me his Magellen 330 GPS as he bought a new one. I need the pc/data cable and a holder for it.