Thermostat necessary?

[secretariatslew]

My 1960 5.5. Evinrude is missing the thermostat. Is it necessary? If the older 5.5's and the 3hp's weren't even made with them, isn't it just one more thing to worry about considering running too cool is always better than warped?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Thermostat necessary?

If it was fitted with a thermostat originally then it should be fitted with a thermostat for use.
Running too cool can cause many problems as well.
My 2 cents.

 

[F_R]

Re: Thermostat necessary?

They put that thing in there for a reason: For a better running motor. Why would you not want a better running motor? Thermostats are not all the trouble they are claimed to be. And when they do fail, 99.9% of the time they fail in the open position.

In fact, when is the last time you had a thermostat problem with your car?

 

[kbait]

Re: Thermostat necessary?

The 3's had restrictions in the water flow to effectively get the motor to run at 140+ degrees head temp. Your 5.5 won't approach that w/o thermo installed. It'll run ok, but won't be as efficient, and will likely foul plugs and carbon up the insides of your powerhead..

 

[secretariatslew]

Re: Thermostat necessary?

thanks everyone- kbait that is good to know about the 3. I haad a heck of time using pipe cleaners on those miniscule water passages. Since they are cheap and seem to serve a legitimate purpose I will order one.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Thermostat necessary?

(Thermostat Purpose)
(J. Reeves)

Many engines are considered high performance engines and demand a thermostat(s), and many smaller hp engines also require a thermostat for the following reason. The pistons actually distort/twist off round when running. The thermostat is required to keep the outer wall surrounding the steel cylinder, and the cylinder wall itself at a temperture to compensate for the distortion.

With the thermostat removed, the difference in temperture between the inside the cylinder and the water jacket quickly reaches a point whereas (in effect) you have a oblong piston running up and down a round cylinder, or vice versa. Bottom line is without the thermostat, the piston and cylinder wall could be damaged in a short period of time.

The thermostat in your car isn't there simply to have the heater function properly..... think about it.

 

[Philip_G]

Re: Thermostat necessary?

They put that thing in there for a reason: For a better running motor. Why would you not want a better running motor? Thermostats are not all the trouble they are claimed to be. And when they do fail, 99.9% of the time they fail in the open position.

In fact, when is the last time you had a thermostat problem with your car?

agree 110%

My old 'rude doesn't have a stat, and it's really a cold blooded pig especially trolling in these cold early spring waters, it runs so much better at a warmer operating temp.