Texasmark
Supreme Mariner
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2005
- Messages
- 14,795
So I buy this '02 90 hp Merc in December and the first time I take it out I get the overtemp horn at low speed. <br /><br />Get home and pull the thermostat, put it in a pot of boiling water and it doesn't open. <br /><br />Fine I said, I'll do without, (for one thing I figured the replacement would cost $50-60 bucks) and I did, till now....But I've been thinking about starting the engine when it's cold.<br /><br />Figured a little block heat would help it to light off and stay lit....really hard to start with all the EPA choking in cold water/weather......gotta stay on the fuel enrichment button for a longggggg time. The stat would help to hold the heat in the block rather than circulate freely when the water pump turns.<br /><br />Also, I thought that when I got to a fishing spot, fished for 10-15 minutes and wanted to leave, that it would kick off faster if still warm.....so I'm softening up on my "no stat" stance......based upon the fact that outboards were produced for 50 years without them and if it's not there it can't freeze up, CLOSED.<br /><br />So I'm surfing the site today and happen to glance at the parts offering at the top of this forum......like they have been there from day one, but they just registered (to me) today and I thought what the heck.<br /><br />In short I am getting a new stat, 2 O-rings, and the stat gasket for $12 plus shipping; ships Monday and I get it Thursday.<br /><br />Not bad; can't believe it's so cheap, convenient, and fast. So I don't see it being a problem replacing every 2 years like you guys do and recommend.<br /><br />Living in the country the fewer trips to town the better and it's 40 miles to the nearest dealer......save that gas to go fishin. Grin<br /><br />Mark
<br /><br />The T'stat is to get the engine up to efficient operating temp quicker and keep it there.<br /><br />Without a T'stat the engine runs too cool, builds up carbon and burns too much fuel.