engine temperatures

[SJPJWM]

I just purchased a 1993 Sunbird, Corsair 185, with a 4.3 175HP, 6 cyl engine. The former owner said, " I never leave the dock until the eng temp reaches 140" Is this not the same engine that is in my 1993 Chev S10 Blazer? Why would the former owner and mechanic advise to warm the engine before leaving the dock?

 

[Juancho]

Re: engine temperatures

I doubt it is really makes that much difference. I never leave the dock until my 1984 Volvo AQ125 reaches 180 degrees, but that's because my engine does not have a choke and doesn't idle well until it reaches operating temp.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: engine temperatures

If your Blazer stalls you stop and restart it ,if your boat stalls you sail into the path of another boat or into a dock.There are no brakes to stop and start over.If you are impatient,just start the boat the moment you get there and then start loading gear and taking down canvas and loading passengers etc.by the time you are done it is warmed up. charlie

 

[magster65]

Re: engine temperatures

I usually leave the dock shortly after the engine is idling smoothly (100 ish). I leave the marina and set out at low rpm until everything is at operating temperature. It warms up everything together that way.

 

[Crazy]

Re: engine temperatures

What should a boat motor temp be ? mine never gets over 130 and it's a V8 ford ... is this to cool ???

 

[tmclendon]

Re: engine temperatures

130 is too cool, if your guage is correct. Is your thermostat stuck open maybe? Anyway running too cool will foul your plugs. You want 160 or above.

 

[Boatist]

Re: engine temperatures

Jim Merkle<br />Yes it the same engine as your blaser but your blasler has EFI and senses the engine temp, air temp, elevation, ect and ajust fuel supply to keep engine running perfect while it warms up. Unless he has the EFI model then he has the old style Carb and Choke system and may not idle right untill the engine gets some heat in it.

 

[Boatist]

Re: engine temperatures

Crazy<br />Yes 130 is too cold. Your motor will get better performance and fuel mileage if get it to warm up. I have not seen a boat thermostat lower than 150 and engine will usually run about 10 degrees above the thermostat temp. If you had fresh water cooling you would want your unit to run 180 to 190 degrees like your can but in salt water much above 150 degrees causes more engine desposites.