Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

displaced47

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
33
Hi all,

I have an ancient (1971/1972) yamaha 8A with a Mariner decal and I just checked and there is no thermostat.

Must it have one?

What difference will running without make?

I live in the tropics so cold weather running is not an issue.

thanks
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

The thermostat is an important part of the cooling system, so I'd say the motor is either going to run too cool or too hot....either way is not so good. Hopefully look around on-line or at boat shops for a thermostat that might fit...
 
Joined
Oct 12, 2012
Messages
8
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

Hi all,

I have an ancient (1971/1972) yamaha 8A with a Mariner decal and I just checked and there is no thermostat.

Must it have one?

What difference will running without make?

I live in the tropics so cold weather running is not an issue.

thanks

Use only in an emergency without a t stat. Motor will run too cold thus inefficently and there's always the possibility of a cold seize scenario.
 

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

there is a reason it came with one. a cold motor wastes fuel. besides you need the restriction
 

displaced47

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
33
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

there is a reason it came with one. a cold motor wastes fuel. besides you need the restriction

That being said - if the thermostat that is listed on the parts list is obsolete and not available anywhere how much variation is there in others? Could a different one do the job?
 

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

there has to be a replacement available.your motor isn't that old
 

displaced47

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
33
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

there has to be a replacement available.your motor isn't that old

I have looked everywhere and they do not appear to be available... the motor is a 1971/1972 made for Mariner by Yamaha before Yamaha launched in the US Market...

If you have any ideas I would appreciate them! I wonder how much variation there is in thermostats anyway they all look the same to me!
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,149
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

It is obsolete.. Most of the motor is obsolete according to another site ( checked every serial range ). Not much you can do. Only thing that I can say is run it by Yamaha and see if they can get an equivlant thermostat.. Otherwise, run it till it pukes and be prepared to get another OB. Everything I checked is obsolete except for a few small parts.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

Remove the thermostat housing and measure the diameter of the cavity where the thermostat flange sits. Now head to your nearest farm supply store or auto store and measure thermostats. Find one that is the same diameter or slightly larger and the temp range you need. Grind down the flange until it fits. Go boating. Be aware that auto thermostats will be 160, 180, or 195 degrees. You will likely need a 160.
 

displaced47

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
33
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

It is obsolete.. Most of the motor is obsolete according to another site ( checked every serial range ). Not much you can do. Only thing that I can say is run it by Yamaha and see if they can get an equivlant thermostat.. Otherwise, run it till it pukes and be prepared to get another OB. Everything I checked is obsolete except for a few small parts.

Yep it's really hard - there is a VERY expensive UK site that sells some of the parts. I did manage to get an impeller through ebay (from the UK) I bought two so I would have a spare too but there was no way of getting any of the other water pump parts...
 

displaced47

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
33
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

Thanks Silvertip that sounds like a good idea.
 

EddiePetty

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 25, 2008
Messages
1,008
Re: Can an 8 hp function effectively without a thermostat?

Failing locating the proper thermostat, procure a stainless steel flat washer, file fit the outside diameter and adjust the inside diameter to provide back pressure (slows the water flow to allow dissipation of heat into the water). An IRThermometer aimed at the water jacket will assist in adjusting the flow rate.
 
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