Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

[mark mcj]

Hello,
Are the thermostat and spring valve regular maintenance items?
I picked up a 82 Johnson 60hp and have it in the garage doing the odds and ends that need to be done, carb rebuilds, new fuel lines, engine harness rebuild and lower work, all the regular stuff.
I am curious if the thermostat and spring valve should be replaced while I'm in there or if the money should be put into something else?

Thanks
Mark

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

They should be replaced if bad. If you're not sure, get an OEM shop manual to help with decisions.

 

[RadarRick]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

I'd replace it anyway, unless you know for sure that it has been done recently. It ties in with the other preventative work that you're doing.

While thermostat housing is removed, and when you have the lower unit off, you might be able to back flush by forcing water up the intake tube. In mine, this dislodged a lot of crud.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Ya, that is not something that gets replaced unless they go bad so you probably have 29 year old tstats in it and they are more than likely pretty cruddy, so it certainly can't hurt and may help.

Also don't forget to change the fuel line under the hood also, everybody gets the line between the gas tank and engine but forgets about that bit under the hood, also a fuel filter is a good idea, even a cheapy inline from Autozone is good.

 

[mark mcj]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Thanks for the heads up guys.
I figured it made sense to swap out the parts while I've got the motor sitting on the bench.
It is kind of funny that it was mentioned to get a manual, I have two for this motor and the only mention beside how to swap them out is that they don't need replaced unless an overheating issue is present. My inspection of the moter showed great coolant flow and really good compression.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[boobie]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Unless you've already done it don't forget to replace the water pump.

 

[mark mcj]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Thanks boobie.
Since the motor is new to me and has great compression I'm replacing almost all of the all of the "wearables" if you will.

coils
plug wires
plugs
power pack
rectifier
rebuilt the carbs
rebuilding the engine wire harness
rebuilt the fuel pump
new fuel lines on the engine
drive shaft seals
prop shaft seals
bearing housing o-ring
shift rod seal
water pump impeller
water pump impeller housing
all of the gaskets for the water pump assembly
inter exhaust seal

Basically all of the stuff that can wear out.
The electronics for the ignition sytems are all good since I was able to run the motor about 15 minutes before I tore it down. So I'll keep all of the parts for emergany spares.
I'm looking for a good deal on a stator so I have that on hand too. More than likely there's some parts I've replaced but didn't even list. LOL

 

[RadarRick]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Forgot to mention the thermostat? (after all this discussion)

 

[mark mcj]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Thanks for keeping me in line RadarR.
Technically, I'm waiting on those parts to arrive, so I haven't had a chance to install them yet.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

Don't forget the grommet.

FWIW, did mine last summer, just figured after 30 years (freshwater use only) it deserved a look-see...'stat was clean & tested fine in a pot of water on the stove with a kitchen thermometer so I just replaced the poppet springs & grommets. Quite a bit of build-up on the inside surfaces (see pic) -- I used a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner called "Barkeep's Friend"; it was quite a bit of work, someone else may have a better idea.

I don't see the point of replacing a working rectifier -- but if the part's already ordered, I can think of worse things than having a spare on board.

 

[fireshadow]

Re: Thermostat and Spring Valve Replacement

I had this same debate with my friend over coils. He said if they work don't replace them, I figured ther I don't know when they were replaced last and I really don't want to paddle back to their ramp. I would good ahead and replace the thermastat.