How do I know if my 1958 Evinrude has a thermostat?

[adt2]

I know, dumb question ("Well, if there's a thermostat, then you've got one."). I'm trying to order some parts to get her running again, and there are two different water pump repair kits - one for "motors without a thermostat" and one for "motors with a thermostat."

Where would I find the thermostat, if there's one installed? And if I find it, should I remove it and toss it? (Had an old guy tell me that once.)

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Chinewalker]

Couple simple things to look for. A thermostat would be on top of the head, held in
Place by a cover with a couple slotted screws in it. If your motor has a double wall exhaust leg and bucket cowling, as opposed to a single wall leg and clamshell cowling, it'll have a stat.

 

[adt2]

I assume by bucket cowling you mean a single piece, vs. "clamshell" being hinged in the middle? I've definitely got a clamshell cowling. PITA, too. Not sure about the double-wall exhaust leg.

Thanks.

 

[newhamburgboating]

If you have a thermostat, remove it. Throw it in a bowl of boiled water. It should move "open"

The idea is that it stays closed when the block is cold. To warm the engine on cold starts. Then when it reaches temperature it will open and allow the water to circulate and cool the block. The motor will run best when at its preferred temperature.

If your motor was supposed to have one you should use one. I just bought one for my 64 and it was only $25 at the marina.

Many people think you should just pull them out of the old motors. Why wouldn't they make them that way then?

 

[F_R]

If you have a flip-up hood, it does NOT have a thermostat. It takes the single water tube style water pump.