thermostat, what for??

[pumy]

What real purpose does a thermostat have on a boat? Should you remove it?

 

[fwebster]

Most 90's and later engines are designed to run warmer than older engines. They are more efficient, have fewer emissions, start better and don't foul plugs when run at about 180 degrees or above. Remove your thermostats and the running temperatures are going to be 120-140 degrees, depending upon the water temperature you are in and the design of your engine.

Leave 'em in and your boat and pocket book will love you.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Most 90's and later engines are designed to run warmer than older engines. They are more efficient, have fewer emissions, start better and don't foul plugs when run at about 180 degrees or above. Remove your thermostats and the running temperatures are going to be 120-140 degrees, depending upon the water temperature you are in and the design of your engine.

Leave 'em in and your boat and pocket book will love you.

Does this also apply to 1988 vintage 7.4 l. gassers? I have no particular reason for removing the t'stats Frank and I am very curious as to why "pumy" would want to do this in the first place.

~Ken

 

[pumy]

Not really wanting to remove them, was just wondering what purpose they serve, also I would say, you wouldn't have to worry if your thermostat was open when you winterized if they were removed.
Pumy

 

[JediJD]

Probably the easiest way to think about it, is to imagine an engine running "cold". All of us normally think about a "cold" engine running a little rougher, not accelerating as well, perhaps having more exhaust...then it "warms up" and starts to smooth out and generally perform better. The thermostat is the primary component to speed the transition from "cold" to "warm". Without one, the transition would still occur, it would simply take much longer.

 

[Henry Boyd]

JediJD is partially correct. When the engine temperature is below the minimum temperature needed for the engine to operate properly, the thermostat constricts and reduces the coolant flow through the engine. The trapped coolant then sits still in the block and is able to absorb more 'heat' from the block. The big thing to keep in mind is that this is not just at start up, but all the time. The purpose of the thermostat is to maintain a minimum temperature in the block while the engine is running.

Henry

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Henry is spot on...
Warm engine (170-180) is designed to run at that temp range and therefore will last longer than one that is always run cold (less than 170).

 

[BonBini]

Ok: I'm gona call it a coolant regulator. Your coolant regulator restricts flow as needed out of the engine to maintain a reletivly even internal temp. It also works as a mixing valve for the incoming water to reduce thermal shock. And lastly it's a valve to let the water pump create a small amount of presure down stream to keep the steam pockets in the heads full. ...Ron

 

[wileecoyote]

Proper volumetric efficiency is best when the engine is at "operating temperature" The thermostat helps the engine to maintain this constant temperature no matter what the coolant water temp is or the ambient air. All the tune specs for the vehicle are based on this temp. In order to get the proper atomization of fuel you want the engine to be above the temp it may run without a t-stat. Bottom line is that the T-stat keeps the engine at a constant temp, Leave it in!!:thumbsup:

 

[shore]

Run a marine engine(raw water cooled) without a thermo and the condensation in the crankcase will not burn off.There are a couple other factors but that is the main reason in my book.