140 vs 160 degree thermostat in open loop fresh water cooled engine.

cecho

cecho

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 29, 2013
Messages
367
I'm pretty sure my boat has a 140 degree thermostat. Would there be any problem with putting a 160 on it? I know that's bad in salt water, but what about fresh water? It seems running the engine at 160 would be a lot better than 140, but I doubt using a 180 would be safe for the engine.


Usually searching for fresh water cooled boats brings up results for a closed loop system. I'm not sure why they call it fresh water cooled. I don't think antifreeze makes water very fresh. :lol:
 
Lou C

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
11,856
Re: 140 vs 160 degree thermostat in open loop fresh water cooled engine.

I don't think you'd have a problem with a 160, I use one in salt and I haven't had a problem (pretty much all OMCs had 160s) and some newer Mercs do use a 160. If you put in a 160 it will probably run between 160 and 175 or so. What were your running temps with the 140?
 
O

Outsider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,022
Re: 140 vs 160 degree thermostat in open loop fresh water cooled engine.

What does the manufacturer call for? They usually have a reason ... :)
 
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