thermostat replacement on 1981 115 hp

[mooseskin]

i have 1981 evinrude 115 hp E115TLCIM. the factory manual states that the 140 hp you need to pull the power head to replace the t-stats because of the exhaust cover(it does have a bulge sticking out instead of being flat like the 115). that being said it still looks kinda tight at the bottom two bolts to do this. from anybody's experience can this be done? if it can would you suggest it? i soaked the bolts with pb blaster and let them sit for a day then just to see if the bolts would snap, i tried the top bolt and i think it will snap. anyways if you have some info on the way to go on this please let me know.

 

[Solittle]

Re: thermostat replacement on 1981 115 hp

Gots a pair of 110 bubblebacks. T-stat replacement is a bit of a bear but can be done without pulling the power head. You need to loosen the bolts that hold the pan to the block so you can drop the pan a bit. This gives you clearance to the two lower bolts in the t-stat cover. Use a 7/16" box wrench to start to loosen the lower two bolts.Use a 1/4" drive socket with an extension and universal to get to the bolts out. Remove the t-stat assembly.

Assembly is tricky - place the new parts in their proper place and use OMC sealer as described in the OMC or other shop manual. Put the assembly in a vice firmly but gently and let the sealer cure overnight. Then use tie wraps to keep the parts together. Worm it back in place and start the lower two bolts using a thin box wrench from underneath (the space created when you lowered the pan). It helps to have a helper to give you a hand as there are a couple of springs that make this tricky.

I think there are a couple of posts on this if you try the search. I have written a couple. Also you might check the FAQ section though I don't know if anything is there on this.

I struggled my way through this after a marine mechanic gave me an estimate of $200.00 to pull the powerhead.

Some guys will tell you that they drill two fairly large holes in the pan to get access to the two lower bolts. I am not crazy about this method as, while easier, opens the way for water to get in the engine if the holes are not sealed properly.