wrong thermostat??

[crazy charlie]

I think my parts guy may have given me the wrong stat.1988 230hp 5.0lx mercruiser alpha one rwc.He sold me a sierra kit # 18-3668.The stat looks different .Both are stamped 140f.The new one is also stamped 60c.The top of the new stat is shorter and the coil in the new one is smaller(thinner).I cleaned up the old one to see the #s and after cleaning it I put both into a large cup of hot tap water and noticed that the old one opened up more and faster.Should I assume a 140 degree stat is a 140 degree stat even if they are a little different.

 

[ripped_78]

Re: wrong thermostat??

They are all pretty much the same it is just a matter of if they fit. Try it out if it works run with it. You shouldn't hurt anything.

 

[Bondo]

Re: wrong thermostat??

Charlie,.... My NAPA book is they're listings of Sierra parts....<br /><br />It shows 3 listings for the 230hp, 5.0LX....<br /><br />There's an Early Style up from Ser.# B525XXX to F600XXX,.... The T-Stat # is 18-3551.....<br /><br />The New Style lists #s B525XXX,+ Up...... It uses the Same T-Stat.....18-3551......<br />Kit # for Both of these is 18-3668......<br /><br />Then there's #s OB525XXX to OB600XXX that use 18-3649.........This 1 is 160*......<br />It's Kit # is 18-3647.....<br /><br />I Guess that means you Might have the Right 1...............<br />

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: wrong thermostat??

I guess I will give it a try even though the old one seems to work fine.I am in the process of trying to troubleshoot a rising temp at idle problem I had last year.I replaced the waterpump,housing and base so far and checked the tstat housing for any restrictions.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: wrong thermostat??

CC, you should invest in an infrared thermometer. They are absolutely great for double checking you guage. You can use it on every part of your engine.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: wrong thermostat??

I asked Santa for one and even included the Sears circular with it .Didnt get it.Saw one at Pep Boys for $50 last week.