Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

[16sail]

1992 J100STLND

Is it possible to replace the thermostats on this engine without pulling the powerhead? The factory service manual says: "The thermostats and the pressurve valves should be serviced when the powerhead is removed from the adapter."

I could read this in two different ways:
1. Always service the thermostats if you pull the powerhead.
2. You should pull the powerhead to service the thermostats.

 

[Walker]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

It can be done with some frustration and difficulty.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

Add that Engineer to someones list...PLEASE :devil:

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

16sail,

Did you do the thermostats without removing the power head? I'm looking at the same job for my 115 Evinrude. Looks tricky so, I'm gathering info before I start.

Thanks,
John

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

i've heard of people drilling holes in the lower cowl to get to the bolts.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

It ain't no doubt the bubble backs pose a problem when changing out t-stats...ie....no real access and that darn bubble just makes it harder. Some access can be reached by splitting the lower shroud under the engine pan. I've even seen guys drill holes in the pan for access and then cover them over. Getting the assembly off is easier than putting it back on with the springs being the problem. What can be done is assemble the housing and parts and hold the whole thing together with rubber bands until you get it back in there and have some bolts through it so it won't all spring apart when the rubber bands are removed.

Almost forgot....put the two outside t-stat housing bolts in before putting the assembly back on the motor or you won't get them back in.

Ice cold six pack helps.

 

[dsinger]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

If you get it done take a few pics of the process and post them would like to see how you went about it

 

[ezeke]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

I'm one of those guys, OBJ.

I drilled two holes and cut between them with my Dremel. A piece of fiberglass and a little epoxy covers it until the next time.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

Actually it is not that hard to do,until one of the bolts break.Just time consuming.

DHP

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

So, what's the plan if one of the bolts break? Drill through the cowling and get an easy out? Get another 6 pack? 8) How often do the bolts break? Mine is a 15 year old motor and it looks like the thermostats have never been touched.

Thanks,
John

 

[ezeke]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

Most people who work on motors have learned how to remove a broken bolt. If the motor is running cold, it is worth the risk in the long run.

If it is running hot, you have to do it anyway.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Replace thermostat without pulling powerhead?

I've mulled this process over several times and have done it many times. It seems to me that pulling the head as an assembly and replacing the stats would take about as much time as fighting in the cramped spaces.

Course....that's me. Not everyone has a shop hoist to lift the block up out of the road.