Hotter thermostat?

[rthomas]

Right now I have the stock (145*) tstat but am thinking of going to a 160* or a 180* the only reason for this is to get some better heat out of the heater, I assume the only reason for a 145* tstat is to keep detonation under control. My boat is a little under propped and I've never had an issue with detonation. Would this be an alright thing to try?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Hotter thermostat?

That's not the reason that lower temp t-stats are used. It has to do with the salt in saltwater staying in "suspension" better at temps lower than 160 degrees. The engine manufacturers put the low thermostats in all if them, because they don't know who will or will not be running in salt water. If you don't boat in salt water, try it. If you do, i wouldn't recommend it.
(You have a heater that actually uses the engine coolant?

 

[rthomas]

Re: Hotter thermostat?

Yes I have a heater that runs off engine coolant, I have a heat exchanger so salt isnt an issue.

 

[achris]

Re: Hotter thermostat?

Yes I have a heater that runs off engine coolant, I have a heat exchanger so salt isnt an issue.

Salt water disassociates into acid at higher temperatures, hence the use of cooler thermostat on raw water cooled engines. If you have a closed cooling kit, then it would have included a hotter thermostat, which SHOULD have been changed when the kit was put on the engine....

 

[Don S]

Re: Hotter thermostat?

Use a 160? thermostat with your closed cooling system. Engine should run in the 175? to 180? range under load.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Hotter thermostat?

Right now I have the stock (145*) tstat but am thinking of going to a 160* or a 180* the only reason for this is to get some better heat out of the heater, I assume the only reason for a 145* tstat is to keep detonation under control. My boat is a little under propped and I've never had an issue with detonation. Would this be an alright thing to try?

1. 145 is a bit cold for a closed cooled engine if you want any heat out of it! Mine uses a "160" and never run any higher than 170-180. (even in 80 degree water!)

2.What do you mean by "a little under-propped"? (you may not know you have had a detonation event until it starts running on 7 cyls when you pop a hole in the 8th one.)

3. .....Most "350's" run somewhere around 4400 to 4800/5000 max RPM.........If your engine is NOT turning within the recommended RPM range (low) at full throttle , you NEED to put a lower pitch prop on it.

4. Are you running in the Sound or are you a Lake (Wa/Samm etc) boater?


Regards,


Rick

 

[rthomas]

Re: Hotter thermostat?

Rick, Mine should redline at 42-4600 and I get about 4800 out of it with a light load, its about perfect with full fuel and 4-6 passengers.
I keep it moored in Everett, and I run to Seattle, Bremerton, or through the locks. On the north side we go to Coupville and Laconner frequently, a few times a year we'll go to the San juans.