Vernatherm working correctly? Tested on stove top, inconclusive results.

kippstakes

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
117
I am familiar with thermostat actuation, but Vernatherm elements are more mysterious to me.
When I tested my Verna on the stove today, the piston extended fine, but would then only go back down by merit of moderate to heavy pressure. Is this normal? I realize the Verna valve is spring-loaded, and that is what pushes it closed, but should it be difficult to push the piston back into the down/open position, or not so much? I would say the level of pressure required would be similar to that needed to crush a large jelly bean b/t your fingers, maybe a bit more.
Thanks
 

kippstakes

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
117
Oh yes, definitely. If this link will work, it explains everything. If it works, disregard the paragraph following.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...valve-stuck-water-flow-issues-74-johnson-85hp

If not, I'll make it quick for you. The boat would pump water until RPMs increased, then it would stop (or I should say only steam would come out of the tell hole, which is installed in the right cyl head wall). Oh and we're dealing with a 74 Johnson 85 here, fyi. I was thinking possible a stuck thermo, or something to do with the cooling system. Impeller is new.

I'm thinking the Verna might've been locked up with corrosion from sitting so long. When I put it in the hot water on my stove, it gave a good jump at the bottom of the pot, which I think was the piston popping free. At this point Im just not sure how hard the piston should push back in.

Thoughts?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,195
It won't go in by itself, you need to push it back in. Of course the spring does that when assembled. All normal
 
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