88 SPL question

[nmhellraiser]

Alright, got a question. I have a 96 88 SPL that I'm thinking the port side thermostat is stuck open. I had the motor on muffs today and got to feeling the heads. The port side is running a lot cooler to touch than the left so I went and got a digital thermometer and the port side is running 100F and the starboard side is running 135-140F. Any opinions on this? The boat ran great last weekend just trying to prevent any damage.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 88 SPL question

Sounds like a thermostat is stuck open, I would probably replace them both while I was in there.

 

[nmhellraiser]

Re: 88 SPL question

Ok. I was wanting to get a second opinion before I proceeded. I figure it's going to be a little task to get them replaced. I guess I'll find out in the morning.

 

[nmhellraiser]

Re: 88 SPL question

I went ahead and started tearing it apart tonight so I can deal with putting it back together tomorrow. Anyways, here are the results. Port and Starboard side accordingly. The motor is a freshwater motor, which is nice not dealing with all the corrosion. I managed to get it all apart without tearing any gaskets and the poppet valves and springs look good so I'll probably just replace the T-Stats.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/48844415@N03/5738333441/

 

[etracer68]

Re: 88 SPL question

Yes, the port looks to be open. I just got a whole kit for under $30.00 for my 87 90HP.

 

[DargelJohn]

Re: 88 SPL question

I agree, the port side thermostat is slightly open. I have this same motor and even with a new T Stat setup, the port side always runs about 10 degrees cooler. Fully warmed up, Port side will be 135-145 degrees, starboard 145-155.

 

[nmhellraiser]

Re: 88 SPL question

Yeap, the port side was hung open. I put 2 new T-Stats in. Both heads run 135-140 degrees now. All in all, about an hours worth of work. I'll go put it in the water here in a bit and make sure the poppet valves are working properly.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 88 SPL question

Glad you got your problem solved.

 

[nmhellraiser]

Re: 88 SPL question

Well put it in the water and it runs 145 degrees on idle and 135 degrees in the upper RPM's. I'm going to have to replace the original hose clamps with real ones as the a little water is leaking around the hoses. Otherwise, I think the problem is solved. Thanks for the responses.