Replacing Thermostats on a Johnson 112 hp Outboard

[mikeo11780]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get this 2 piece thermostat housing installed on this motor? The space they leave you with is very tight and with new springs it is almost impossible to get the new kit installed. I've tried installing it one piece at a time but you need 4 hands and they need to be like Gumby's.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Replacing Thermostats on a Johnson 112 hp Outboard

This job is a bear, esp with the bubble back exhaust models. The factory shop time on that is something like 3 hours, and involves pulling the powerhead. It can be done without pulling it. On the older ones, you could loosen the two small lower cowls on the midsection, then loosed the entire lower cowling. Once the big lower cowling is loose, you gain a little access room. These later models don't yield the same wiggle clearance of the older ones, once everything is loosend up, but it may help somewhat.

 

[mikeo11780]

Re: Replacing Thermostats on a Johnson 112 hp Outboard

Thank you for the suggestion, I'm not sure exactly what pieces you're referring to but it appears that there are a few 'covers' on the lower covering that I can try to remove or loosen --

 

[Jeff_G]

Re: Replacing Thermostats on a Johnson 112 hp Outboard

If your mounting bolts have the 7/16" heads replace them with 3/8" head bolts. Makes things much easier. Use some Aviation form a gasket by Permatex on the gaskets I have even used bellows adhesive. Not an easy job but it can be done without pulling the powerhead.