[gailwins]

So, I have decided to replace my shutters by myself and was kicking around the idea of putting a 145 degree thermostat in as well. Several people have recommended this to me.

What do you think?

Is the 145 degree a better idea than the 160 degree thermostat?

One mechanic told me the engine will run better with the 160 while another said the boat will not overeheat as easily with the 145?

I plan an making these fixes on Saturday. Will West Marine have the parts I need to replace the shutters and thermostat?

Thanks.

GW

 

[boloranks]

what engine are we tlking about what year . is it a fresh water cool or raw water cool. ??

 

[MakoMike]

As Ken said, the thermostat will not keep your engine from overheating, once the engine reaches the preset temp the stat will stay open no matter how hot the engine gets, unless you have a faulty thermostat.

 

[gailwins]

Sorry for not putting in the engine information.

It is a 2006 4.3L Mercruiser hooked up to a 1989 Alpha One Gen One.

It is raw water cooled.

I am not sure what thermostat should be in the engine. My current mechanic said the 160 is the correct one.

GW

 

[Lattitudechange]

Your manual should tell you 160.

A side note, a gas engine will run at it's optimum performance at 180 deg.

This post edited by Lattitudechange 12:35 PM 08/05/2008

 

[boloranks]

what capt ed says is correct, you have to put the right thermostat for youe engine, i think it is a 145 degree stat for raw water close cooling maybe a 160, so put the 145 deg

 

[Fishbust]

t stat....

boloranks wrote:
what capt ed says is correct, you have to put the right thermostat for youe engine, i think it is a 145 degree stat for raw water close cooling maybe a 160, so put the 145 deg

This post is correct. Use the 145 for the raw water cooled motor only.

 

[Lattitudechange]

Click link ------> Mercruiser 4.3ltr engine specs 160 deg thermostat.

 

[boloranks]

yep i think it realy take the 160 stat .

 

[gailwins]

Thank you for the clarification. The 160 is in there so that will save me some work.

GW

 

[Fishbust]

t stat.

Lattitudechange wrote:
Click link ------> Mercruiser 4.3ltr engine specs 160 deg thermostat.

Nope. Sorry but that chart does not differentiate between two different cooling systems, which require two different temperature ranges. I had that 4.3 motor for 8 1/2 years, had all the real tech books and used them. That 160+ is for freshwater cooling with heat exchanger. 142/145 is for raw water cooling.

I suggest everyone buys the dealer tech books and part number listing books with diagrams for the specific drivetrains they have. The real books are pricey but they do pay for themselves many times over.

I will leave it alone now.

 

[Lattitudechange]

Fishbust wrote:
Lattitudechange wrote:
Click link ------> Mercruiser 4.3ltr engine specs 160 deg thermostat.

Nope. Sorry but that chart does not differentiate between two different cooling systems, which require two different temperature ranges. I had that 4.3 motor for 8 1/2 years, had all the real tech books and used them. That 160+ is for freshwater cooling with heat exchanger. 142/145 is for raw water cooling.

I suggest everyone buys the dealer tech books and part number listing books with diagrams for the specific drivetrains they have. The real books are pricey but they do pay for themselves many times over.

I will leave it alone now.

Well, not exactly. The 160 thermostat is used in 4.3 ltr engines from 1998 and newer. Both for raw and closed cooling systems. The 142 was used from 1987 to 1995. There was a two year overlap when both stats were used. Yes the 142 is used for certain 4.3 ltrs, but not his. He has a 2006 engine. All 4.3 ltr Mercs including the LX, LXH, and LXH EFI, from 1998 on, used a 160 stat.