Springs? Are they insane??

[Muddy Paws]

Wow.<br /><br />I replaced my thermostats last night on a Johnson 90. Actually, I added thermostasts since the previous owner was running without them.<br /><br />As if it wasn't hard enough because of the access (or lack of), they had to add springs just to make it interesting!<br /><br />How long do stainless t-stats usually last? I'm not looking forward to this job again. Also, the bottom starboard bolt went in with a lot of resistance. I'm afraid I cross threaded it. Next time I need to do this, I'll probably need to pull the power head and add a helicoil. <br /><br />I hope it doesn't leak.<br /><br />Thanks for the FAQ on this job - it helped a lot!

 

[ob]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

The spring serves as the pressure bypass feature of the T/stat assy.If it were mine,I'd remove the bolt in question and see about tapping the hole before reinserting a new bolt.Otherwise....well you know.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

the 90 is a flatback and therefore easy. try a bubble back X flow. if your running the BRP stats I hope your notched the poppets or at least drilled the vent hole in the bakelite housing. or your next post may likly be about the hot horn at the first cold idle.

 

[Muddy Paws]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

Well, the bolt is in, so unless it leaks it won't get tapped until next time.<br /><br />I did notch the poppets. What are BRP stats?<br /><br />That reminds me - I need to replace the horn. One more thing that's not working.<br /><br />Between my needy new engine and this site, I'm getting a pretty good education on my first outboard!<br /><br />Thanks again for all the help.

 

[ob]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

Originally posted by Muddy Paws:<br /> Well, the bolt is in, so unless it leaks it won't get tapped until next time.

That's the whole point.You know that you can probably get the bolt out now.Two ,three years down the road if the bolt is seized or breaks off,then drilling will be your removal option.To each his own.

 

[Muddy Paws]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

OK. I see what you mean.<br /><br />I might just do that. I assume the PH needs to come of to drill, tap and helicoil the threads. Or, are you suggesting that I just chase the threads with a tap?<br /><br />I suppose another shortcut is to punch a hole in the bottom cowling/cover (or whatever it is called) to gain access, and then fill the hole later. This engine needs paint anyway.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

Those three bolts are fairly long.I think you can chase the threads with a tap,using an open end wrench to turn it.Then if you still need a helicoil ....bigger job<br /><br />DHP

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

Hey M.P., I got the same feeling about the center bolt when I replaced the t-stats on my 90hp last week. (I had replaced the ones on my 88hp last year, so I felt pretty comfortable about it.) The bolt was taking a little too much effort to turn, but it looked perfectly straight after I tightened the assembly with the other two. I backed it out, added some more grease to the threads, and screwed it back in. It still didn't feel quite right, but it never tried to venture to the side. I wonder if some hardened anti-seize or something was stuck in the threads?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

is it that tough to use a tap and chase all the threads BEFORE installing them bolts? I do. makes removal at a later date possible.<br /> sometimes I am the fool that has to take them out 3 or 4 years down the line .

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Springs? Are they insane??

Good idea Rodbolt. I'll add that to my "to buy" list.