Temperature low?

LVChris · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 12:16 pm

So I was putting around the lake waiting to pull my Vista out on Sunday and looked down after a good 30 minutes of engine running and the Temperature gauge showed 120-130 range (middle on her is 150). I googled it and can't really find any reason I should worry, but I am worrying. Should I call my mechanic?

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:07 pm

Thermostats can get stuck open or closed. Time for a new one.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 3:05 pm

120-130 running and dipping below at idle for few minutes usually = thermostat stuck open.

My boat goes anywhere from 140 to 160.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 4:47 pm

ESP with raw water cooling you can get a bit of sand or grit keeping the stat from closing. I've had this in salt water and sometimes a good long run clears it out.

Rick2752 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 5:27 pm

Not to high jack thread, but what is to high.

LVChris · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 5:31 pm

I kind of assumed it was the thermostat...but wondering; just for knowledge sake, what disadvantage is there to the motor running cold?

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:07 pm

Rick2752 wrote:

Not to high jack thread, but what is to high.

Well if you have a 160 degree stat and the engine runs at 190, there's an issue.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:58 pm

Keep in mind that these are automotive based powerplants and were designed to run between 195 and 235 F* or so. When adapted for marine use with an open non pressurized system they have to be set up to run cooler (lower temp t-stat) because the combination of constant load, no air flow around the engine and no pressure in the cooling system could result in water in the engine boiling if the temp on the gauge got to even 190. Running too cool won't cause immediate damage but it over time will cause dilution of the oil with both water and fuel (will not burn off because of the very low temp). You can use it the rest of the season like that or if you want to be proactive just put in a new stat. It's an easy job. 2 bolts and a gasket for the housing and a rubber o-ring holds in the thermostat in the housing.

rpengr · **Posted:** Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:52 am

Yes, you could buy the thermostat and gasket now and keep it with you (in case it sticks closed). Then you can put it in when it is more convenient for you.

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Wed Jul 31, 2013 5:28 pm

The 95 190 I had also would run cold. It had the 5.0 (302 Ford) which is very much li,e your 5.8. The thermostat is a smaller diameter than the GM motors and a little more prone to have sand or grit hold it open just enough to prevent it from heating up. It is a 145 deg thermostat. I ran mine for approx 2000 hours and it is still going strong. Good luck.

298VISTA2000 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:26 pm

LVChris wrote:

I kind of assumed it was the thermostat...but wondering; just for knowledge sake, what disadvantage is there to the motor running cold?

When one of mine was stuck open, I noticed more consumption of gas from that particular engine. It might have been something else but it didn't take me long to get it fixed after noticing that.

LVChris · **Posted:** Thu Aug 01, 2013 2:05 am

Thanks everyone, I am just going to replace it.

www.iFourWinns.com

Temperature low?

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