1997 5.7L Mercruiser - Running Temp - What Should It Be?

[Dangit]

My temp gauge is showing a constant 165 degrees, is this correct? If not correct what should it be and what do I need to do to fix it?

Thank you.

[Pete104]

165 degrees says your injected. Is that correct?

[Dangit]

165 degrees says your injected. Is that correct?

No, it's a carbed engine.

Thank you.

[Pete104]

Carbed engines run a 140 degree thermostat. The temp will still be around 160 degrees.
Do you think you have a problem? Why are you asking?

[Dangit]

Carbed engines run a 140 degree thermostat. The temp will still be around 160 degrees.
Do you think you have a problem? Why are you asking?

I have a carbed raw water cooled engine. I thought 165 degrees might be low. If 160 is good then 165 is probably ok if you figure in a gauge not being 100 percent accurate? Seems like I'm probably OK right?

Thank you.

[John_S]

My '96 1/2 raw water cooled 5.7L (carb) reads 175 on the gauge. It has the 160 degree thermostat. If you are raw water cooled, previous owner migh have had a 140 installed. I belive the lower temp is prefered for saltwater boating.

[Dangit]

My '96 1/2 raw water cooled 5.7L (carb) reads 175 on the gauge. It has the 160 degree thermostat. If you are raw water cooled, previous owner migh have had a 140 installed. I belive the lower temp is prefered for saltwater boating.

The boat was a salt water boat so it likely has a 140 degree T-Stat, now it is a fresh water boat. I wonder if there is any compelling reason to switch to the 160 degree T-Stat now?

Thank you.