Ran aground, now runs cold

[burgessm84]

I ran aground in sand/mud and noticed on the way home that temperature hit about normal high, then went way down 100-120 and stayed there. From other posts it sounds like the thermostat is stuck open?

Is that something a good flushing should take care of or does it require a new thermostat? I can't quite understand how some sand would keep it open.

Is there anything else I need to do to make sure all the sand is out?

Can I continue to use the boat until I get the thermostat?

Thanks,
Mike
2006 Mercruiser 4.3 carb w/Alpha 1

 

[searay3]

Re: Ran aground, now runs cold

If you have ever drained your manifolds and block, sand/silt does get in there. Enough to require a wire to poke thru to allow flow. If you ran aground and sucked up a lot of sand, it's quite possible the thermo is stuck open. Open it up and have a look. Could also be a coincidence and something failed in the stat and needs replaced. (Assuming it's raw water cooled.) You could use the boat anyway, but this is not a tough repair.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Ran aground, now runs cold

I ran aground in sand/mud and noticed on the way home that temperature hit about normal high, then went way down 100-120 and stayed there. From other posts it sounds like the thermostat is stuck open?

Is that something a good flushing should take care of or does it require a new thermostat? I can't quite understand how some sand would keep it open.

Is there anything else I need to do to make sure all the sand is out?

Can I continue to use the boat until I get the thermostat?

Thanks,
Mike
2006 Mercruiser 4.3 carb w/Alpha 1

More then likely little rocks are holding it open, You could try pulling it apart and cleaning the thermostat it self If its' not all rusty, But you may need new gaskets. By running cooler the engine may run a little rich and foul the spark plugs some.

 

[burgessm84]

Re: Ran aground, now runs cold

Thanks guys, I'll replace the thermostat and pull all the blue plugs to see what comes out.

Thanks again.