Michael Gaeta
New Member
- May 10, 2023
- 5
- Boat Info
- 2002 Searay Sundancer 300SD
- Engines
- 5.7 Mercruiser w/ Bravo 3 sterndrives
Hello, I have a 2002 300SD Sundancer repowered with 5.7 Mercruisers in 2020. the boat has a raw water Cooling system. This haul out i replaced both thermostat housings. after much searching, i installed the thermostat (160 degrees) in the housing in a different location than what was installed when i observed as installed when i pulled the housings.
Previously, the thermostat was placed directly on the engine outside of the plastic sleeve. based on every image i have seen, the thermostat was placed according this the following:
first the cork gasket, then the thermostat with the spring and charge cylinder visible, then the plastic sleeve, then the gasket. this is what it looks like after the "proper" install.
However, when I installed the thermostat this way (on both engines), the engine ran too hot (stopped the engine when it appeared to go north of 180).
I then changed the location of the thermostats to outside of the plastic sleeve, same orientation, but resting on the engine. in this configuration, the engines ran cold (roughly 100 degrees).
Given the options, i will take a cold engine instead of one that overheats; although none of these are desirable.
I feel it is highly unlikely that both thermostats were faulty, but neither setup makes sense. I would appreciate any help with this.
Previously, the thermostat was placed directly on the engine outside of the plastic sleeve. based on every image i have seen, the thermostat was placed according this the following:
first the cork gasket, then the thermostat with the spring and charge cylinder visible, then the plastic sleeve, then the gasket. this is what it looks like after the "proper" install.
However, when I installed the thermostat this way (on both engines), the engine ran too hot (stopped the engine when it appeared to go north of 180).
I then changed the location of the thermostats to outside of the plastic sleeve, same orientation, but resting on the engine. in this configuration, the engines ran cold (roughly 100 degrees).
Given the options, i will take a cold engine instead of one that overheats; although none of these are desirable.
I feel it is highly unlikely that both thermostats were faulty, but neither setup makes sense. I would appreciate any help with this.