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how do i know if my outboard thermostat is bad

by Jaylon Kozey Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat When thermostats go bad, they don’t slowly decline, just simply fail completely. Usually a thermostat remains closed when it fails, cutting off the supply of coolant to the outboard.

How do I know if my outboard thermostat is bad?
  1. Engine slow to warm up.
  2. Engine not reaching its correct operating temperature.
  3. Poor cold weather performance.
  4. Water flowing from the exhaust pipe at idle.
May 20, 2019

Full Answer

How do I know if my thermostat is bad?

Jun 28, 2020 · Common Symptoms Of A Bad Thermostat If the thermostat is stuck open. The engine will run a lot colder. For 2-Strokes, it can cause a rough or poor running condition. For other non carburated 2-Strokes it can cause a high idle.

What happens if a thermostat fails on an outboard?

Secondly, can you run a boat motor without a thermostat? Yes, you can temporarily run your outboard without the thermostat and not harm the engine. No, you can not remove the thermostat and continue running the engine for long periods of time without causing harm to the engine. Here is a brief breakdown on why the thermostat is so important.

How do I know if my outboard motor is bad?

Jun 28, 2019 · Here is a quick step-by-step guide to checking your thermostat at home: 1. Unbolt the thermostat housing located at the top of the cylinder head or exhaust plate (Note: for older V4 Evinrude/Johnson outboards this will be located at the bottom of the exhaust plate between the cylinder heads) 2. Remove the thermostat and place in a clear jar; 3.

How long do outboard thermostats last?

Dec 18, 2019 · 4 signs of a bad or failing thermostat symptoms and how to check and testThis video is for the following repairs:How to tell thermostat is bad,How to tell th...

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat on an outboard motor?

Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat
  • Engine overheating, particularly at idle and low running speed.
  • Engine going into limited power or slow mode to mitigate against overheating.
  • Increased fuel consumption.

How do I test my outboard thermostat?

Step 2: Put the thermostat in a bowl and immerse it in boiling water. As the thermostat heats up, it should open. When you remove it from the boiling water, allow it to cool and it should close again. If the thermostat remains open or closed, it has failed and must be replaced.

What are signs of a bad thermostat?

Bad Thermostat Symptoms
  • Overheating Engine. If the thermostat stays closed, the engine's coolant cannot reach the radiator and, therefore, cannot cool down. ...
  • Temperature Fluctuations. ...
  • Heater fluctations. ...
  • Possible Leakages & Steam from engine. ...
  • Rising Temperature and Full Expansion Tank.
Apr 3, 2022

Can outboard run without thermostat?

Yes, you can temporarily run your outboard without the thermostat and not harm the engine. No, you can not remove the thermostat and continue running the engine for long periods of time without causing harm to the engine.

Is the water coming out my outboard supposed to be hot?

The water should be hot iff the motor is at operating temperature, roughly the same temperature as coming out of a hot water heater in a house. The delay is normal, since the water drains out of the block when the motor is not running.Aug 17, 2019

When should I replace my outboard thermostat?

Typically, water pumps and thermostats should be serviced every two to three years. This varies on where you do most of your boating.

How can I test my thermostat without removing it?

Part of a video titled How to Test if Your Car's Thermostat is Working (Without Removing It!!)
0:28
6:56
If you follow that hose backwards. That will be attached to the end of your thermostat. And yourMoreIf you follow that hose backwards. That will be attached to the end of your thermostat. And your thermostat will be uh dotted down in there now let's see if we can spot.

How do you know if thermostat is stuck open?

Part of a video titled 3 Signs of a Stuck Open Car Thermostat Failing Symptoms
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1:52
System when the thermostat is stuck open driver will notice the coolant temperature gauge staying onMoreSystem when the thermostat is stuck open driver will notice the coolant temperature gauge staying on the low. Side. Number two lack of heat.

What can a bad thermostat cause?

Overheating. Because your thermostat controls temperature of fluids from the radiator hose, a bad thermostat will cause your car to overheat. When the engine temperature has reached the operating level, it should allow coolant to flow to the engine and regulate the heat.Oct 30, 2018

What does a thermostat do on an outboard motor?

A thermostat is designed to hold the cooling water in the block until it reaches the temperature set by the engine manufacturer. Generally, this is between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. It then opens to release the water before it gets too hot and overheats the outboard.Jun 27, 2019

How do you test a water pump on an outboard motor?

How Do You Test an Outboard Water Pump? On many outboards, you can simply put on the muffs and start the engine. You should see a steady stream of water coming out of the holes on the top of the engine. However, some brands do pump out a stream, but it might not look steady.

Do 2 stroke outboards have thermostats?

yes, they do have thermostat.Feb 26, 2004

How to tell if your thermostat is bad?

Common Symptoms Of A Bad Thermostat. If the thermostat is stuck open. The engine will run a lot colder. For 2-Strokes, it can cause a rough or poor running condition. For other non carburated 2-Strokes it can cause a high idle.

Can you run an outboard without a thermostat?

Yes, you can temporarily run your outboard without the thermostat and not harm the engine . No, you can not remove the thermostat and continue running the engine for long periods of time without causing harm to the engine. Here is a brief breakdown on why the thermostat is so important.

What happens if the thermostat is stuck open?

If the thermostat is stuck open. The engine will run a lot colder. For 2-Strokes, it can cause a rough or poor running condition. For other non carburated 2-Strokes it can cause a high idle. Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, what happens when an outboard overheats?

Why does my outboard motor overheat?

The most common cause of outboard motor overheating is water pump failure. Lack of raw water flow and lack of fresh water can cause water pump failure. Lack of fresh water can be noted if there is a large increase in temperature between the inlet and and outlet of the heat exchanger.

Can you remove the thermostat from a car?

No, you can not remove the thermostat and continue running the engine for long periods of time without causing harm to the engine. Here is a brief breakdown on why the thermostat is so important.

What is the least appreciated part of an outboard motor?

One of the least appreciated components of an outboard motor is the lowly thermostat. A thermostat regulates the temperature of the water for engine cooling and keeps pressure in the cooling system to facilitate heat transfer from the heads and the cylinder walls.

Why does my water pump fail?

Lack of raw water flow and lack of fresh water can cause water pump failure. Lack of fresh water can be noted if there is a large increase in temperature between the inlet and and outlet of the heat exchanger.

How to tell if thermostat is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat 1 Engine overheating, particularly at idle and low running speed 2 Engine going into limited power or slow mode to mitigate against overheating 3 Increased fuel consumption

What happens if an outboard thermostat fails?

When an outboard has two or more thermostats and you have to replace one because it has failed, replace all the others at the same time. Outboard thermostats wear evenly, so if one fails, the others will soon follow.

What is a thermostat on an outboard motor?

What is a Thermostat? A thermostat is a valve in the outboard’s cooling system that opens or closes depending on temperature. When the thermostat is closed, it prevents the flow of cooling water passing through the outboard, thus increasing the motor’s operating temperature.

What happens when the thermostat is closed?

When the thermostat is closed, it prevents the flow of cooling water passing through the outboard, thu s increasing the motor’s operating temperature. As the temperature rises, the thermostat opens and allows coolant to flow through the outboard, thus decreasing its operating temperature.

How long does an outboard thermostat last?

When to Replace an Outboard’s Thermostat. Thermostats are fairly robust, and can last for several years depending upon how many hours you put on your outboard, and what types of conditions you run it in. For example, the thermostat of an outboard that runs in salt water will experience far more corrosion than thermostats in outboards primarily used ...

What is the purpose of thermostats?

By constantly opening and closing, the thermostat keeps the motor at its ideal operating temperature. This prevents the engine from overheating, and ensures the fuel combustion is perfectly optimized to provide maximum power while minimizing fuel consumption.

Why does my outboard thermostat overheat?

Because of the saltwater environment that most of us run our outboards in thermostats are susceptible to corrosion, salt build up (from irregular flushing) and sand build up (from beach launching or shallow water usage). These are the instances that can cause thermostat blockages and lead to your engine overheating.

What temperature should an outboard thermostat be?

Generally, this is between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. It then opens to release the water before it gets too hot and overheats the outboard.

Where is the thermostat located on a V4 outboard?

Unbolt the thermostat housing located at the top of the cylinder head or exhaust plate (Note: for older V4 Evinrude/Johnson outboards this will be located at the bottom of the exhaust plate between the cylinder heads) 2. Remove the thermostat and place in a clear jar. 3.

Can a thermostat be damaged?

As a rule of thumb thermostats can be damaged from very high temperatures and replacing them after an engine overheat is recommended. A thermostat also provides water pressure for the block which is another reason never to leave one out of your engine.

What is the brain of a marine thermostat?

That is made possible by having the proper engine temperatures and fuel mixtures. The brain of a thermostat is a component called a vernatherm that is fastened inside the thermostat housing.

What is the least appreciated component of an outboard motor?

Thermostat. One of the least appreciated components of an outboard motor is the lowly thermostat. It is subject to constant temperature changes, corrosion, and water pressure along with mud, sand, and salt, yet is expected to last forever.

What is the function of a thermostat?

A thermostat regulates the temperature of the water for engine cooling and keeps pressure in the cooling system to facilitate heat transfer from the heads and the cylinder walls.

Can you read temperature while flushing?

An accurate temperature reading cannot be obtained while running the motor on a flushing device. It has to be in the water for the water pump, relief valves, and thermostats to operate as they were designed. Consult the appropriate service manual for specifications and for more detailed testing and repair procedures.

How to remove thermostat cover?

Remove the cover to your thermostat, which should come off by hand. Check that the wires are firmly attached to their respective mountain screws. Reattach any loose wires or screws if necessary. Step 4. Turn the breaker back on and determine whether your thermostat runs by completing Step 1 again. If it doesn’t work, turn off the power at ...

How to turn on the thermostat in the summer?

Step 1. Set your thermostat five degrees higher or lower than the setting you normally have it on. This will depend on whatever season it currently is (i.e., higher for the winter, lower for the summer). Check the thermostat to see if it turns on. Step 2.

Why is a thermostat important?

Your thermostat is an important factor in the overall comfort of your home. If your thermostat is broken and you’re in need of a new thermostat, look no further than the professionals at Energy Air. We offer a variety of thermostats to fit your unique needs and lifestyle.

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