Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

[pennyanman1]

I'm finding that my thermostats must be either stuck open or open at a low temp. They were replaced about 25 hours ago, (3 Years). When I run out of the water with the earmuffs, water starts to flow out of the ports just above the cavitation plate almost immediately and the water never gets very warm, maybe 90 to 100 degrees, my guess. The motor runs fine, but I think it should be warmer (?). Any thoughts?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

OK, the water gets to 90 or so at the dump but how warm (or cold) is the motor?

 

[pennyanman1]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

I'd say after idling back up the creek to the ramp that I can hold my hands on the heads, they're pretty warm but not enough so that I have to pull away. After a hard run I can hold my fingers on the heads a second or two at best so I'm figuring that to be about 120 to 130 at most.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

Sounds like we better verify the engine temp. You can do that with thermal melt sticks or a thermal gun. It sounds OK and the "touchy-feely" thing is OK. At least we know it isn't overheating.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

My 87' 60hp vro is doing the same thing, i.e. "water starts to flow out of the ports just above the cavitation plate almost immediately".<br /><br />I let it run for 5-6 minutes in a test tank and the cylinder head measured 120 degrees with a digital thermometer. Is this okay?<br /><br />-thanks<br />andy

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

Originally posted by andy6374:<br /> <br />I let it run for 5-6 minutes in a test tank and the cylinder head measured 120 degrees with a digital thermometer. Is this okay?<br /><br />-thanks<br />andy

The recommended idle temp is 140 degrees, plus or minus 15 degrees. That makes an minimum idle temp of 125 degrees F.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

Do you think that the outer head (where I am actually placing the thermometer) is a bit cooler than the internal temp. Maybe this could account for my lower temperature.

 

[pennyanman1]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

I hadn't heard the plus or minus 15 degrees factor before. That would put me "in the ballpark". Sounds like I should be extremely thankful for having a "runner"! I've had these old cross flow V4's for decades and really like their simplicity and ruggedness. Thanks for all the input.

 

[strouds]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

Hi fellows. I have been running my 65 johnson for 3 yrs without a thermostata in it and have never had any problem

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Sticking Thermostats Evinrude 88SPL

Running a motor with out a thermostat is like takin the head off and havin an extra bolt. There all there for a reason. Most engines are set up to run at a specific temp. At this temp it will bring out it's best performance and last longer. Changing that temp is changing how your motor runs. Might not have noticed the difference in 3 years... but while your engine may crap out in a few more... one working at the right temp might last another 15 with minimal maint.<br /><br />Besides that... everytime you drop that motor into the water the temps are different. So everytime you run your engine your running it at different temps... always changing It's performance