Outboard motor thermostat

A smoothly operating boat is every boater's dream, ensuring not only a outboard motor thermostat ride but also the safety of everyone on board. One integral component ensuring this smooth operation is the outboard engine thermostat. However, its small size often leads to it being overlooked, despite its immense importance.

One of the least appreciated components of an outboard motor is the lowly thermostat. It is subject to constant temperature changes, corrosion, and water pressure along with mud, sand, and salt, yet is expected to last forever. Often mis-guided individuals remove it from the motor thinking it is either not needed or to just get by when an overheat condition is caused by a different part of the engine. A thermostat regulates the temperature of the water for engine cooling and keeps pressure in the cooling system to facilitate heat transfer from the heads and the cylinder walls. That is made possible by having the proper engine temperatures and fuel mixtures. The brain of a thermostat is a component called a vernatherm that is fastened inside the thermostat housing.

Outboard motor thermostat

Experience told me that the thermostat might be stuck open. The main telltales were the engine not getting warm I could feel it , and uncombusted fuel coming out of the exhaust I could see it and accumulating in the crankcase oil I could smell it. Moisture was also emulsifying the latter. The motor will often run under these conditions, but not optimally, and it is susceptible to more corrosion and wear. These symptoms could also be from a deeper problem, but the ease of checking the thermostat made this a logical place to start. Note: If the thermostat were stuck closed, the motor would likely be overheating. I changed the thermostat on this engine a few years ago for similar reasons, and it was a clean and simple task. It is easier and cleaner than, say, changing the oil or the lower-unit lube, and is safe to do over the water as long as nothing gets dropped. Thermostats are usually very accessible on a motor, and most vendors provide parts diagrams for identification and ordering. On the T8, I had to remove the plastic flywheel and dust covers to expose the thermostat housing. Then it was a matter of removing two screws, lifting the housing off, and pulling out the thermostat.

Thermostats are usually very accessible on a motor, and most vendors provide parts diagrams for identification and ordering. At Power Implements, we understand the intricacies of marine engines.

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When it comes to boating, one of the most important components of your vessel is the outboard engine. But have you ever wondered how an outboard engine thermostat works? A thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of your engine by controlling the flow of coolant through it. This helps prevent your engine from overheating or running too cool. In an outboard engine, the thermostat is located in the cooling system. When you start the engine, the thermostat remains closed, preventing the coolant from circulating. As the engine heats up, the thermostat slowly opens, allowing the coolant to start flowing. Once the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature, the thermostat stays open, allowing the coolant to circulate freely. If the engine starts to overheat, the thermostat will close again, stopping the flow of coolant and preventing further damage to the engine. One thing to note is that different outboard engines may have slightly different thermostats.

Outboard motor thermostat

The thermostat ensures that the engine maintains a consistent temperature and prevents it from overheating. If the boat thermostat is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of problems with the engine and cooling system. Inboard engines, on the other hand, operate on a closed-loop cooling system and pull coolant from a reservoir in the engine compartment. The thermostat is typically located between the engine and the water pump and is designed to open and close based on the temperature of the coolant used in an inboard engine or the incoming water in the case of an outboard motor.

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If a Tstat is stuck open that head will be cooler than the other one. We will focus on getting to know your boat, maintenance, and finding your tribe to help you enjoy all the Bay has to offer. Report Listing. Anyway, after reading your article, I went to boats. Originally Posted by lbi Regular servicing is not just about preventing issues; it's about ensuring that every trip you take is safe and enjoyable. It is not right about the Spark Plugs on the engine. Would a laser thermometer on the top of the head tell me anything useful? Erratic Temperature Gauge: Fluctuations in the temperature gauge can indicate a malfunctioning thermostat. Reach out to us at or drop by our dealership for all your marine needs. These symptoms could also be from a deeper problem, but the ease of checking the thermostat made this a logical place to start.

One of the least appreciated components of an outboard motor is the lowly thermostat.

It's a relatively inexpensive component, and timely replacement can prevent more significant, costlier issues down the line. Thread: Bad Thermostat??? Note: If the thermostat were stuck closed, the motor would likely be overheating. Warmer temperatures will promote complete combustion, keeping gas out of the exhaust and water. It has to be in the water for the water pump, relief valves, and thermostats to operate as they were designed. Performance: A consistent engine temperature ensures peak performance at all times. Never underestimate the importance of regular maintenance. Thermostat location on my Yamaha T8. On the T8, I had to remove the plastic flywheel and dust covers to expose the thermostat housing. I'm not a professional outboard mechanic, just a guy with a lot of experience maintaining his own boat. Remember me Forgot Password?