Outboard motor thermostat

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A smoothly operating boat is every boater's dream, ensuring not only a pleasurable ride but also the safety of everyone on board. One integral component ensuring this smooth operation is the outboard engine thermostat. However, its small size often leads to it being overlooked, despite its immense importance. In this blog, we'll dive deep into the outboard engine thermostat, emphasizing its service frequency to maintain optimal performance. The thermostat in your outboard engine is a temperature-sensitive valve. Its main role is to regulate the flow of coolant based on the engine's temperature. When the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, allowing the engine to warm up quickly.

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. Often mis-guided individuals remove it from the motor thinking it is either not needed or to just get by when an overheat condition is caused by a different part of the engine. 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. 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. Shown on left side of the illustration, this device has a piston that moves upward to open the thermostat valve at a pre-determined temperature. The vernatherm consists of brass housing with an internal chamber containing a mixture formulated to expand at a pre-determined temperature. A piston fits into the chamber sealed with a rubber diaphragm. As the waxy mixture expands from water heating up, it pushes upward on the piston attached to the bottom of the thermostat valve. At the same time the hot water is exiting, colder water enters the engine causing a cool-down effect. As the vernatherm senses the temperature reduction, the wax contracts and the return-spring moves the piston inwards to close the valve. As the water in the engine again heats up, the cycle is repeated.

We plan to open registration next Wednesday, March 17, St. What is the Outboard Engine Thermostat?

Experience told me that the thermostat might be stuck open. The main telltales were the engine not getting warm I could feel it , and uncombusted fuel coming out of the exhaust I could see it and accumulating in the crankcase oil I could smell it. Moisture was also emulsifying the latter. The motor will often run under these conditions, but not optimally, and it is susceptible to more corrosion and wear. These symptoms could also be from a deeper problem, but the ease of checking the thermostat made this a logical place to start. Note: If the thermostat were stuck closed, the motor would likely be overheating.

When it comes to boating, one of the most important components of your vessel is the outboard engine. But have you ever wondered how an outboard engine thermostat works? A thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of your engine by controlling the flow of coolant through it. This helps prevent your engine from overheating or running too cool. In an outboard engine, the thermostat is located in the cooling system. When you start the engine, the thermostat remains closed, preventing the coolant from circulating. As the engine heats up, the thermostat slowly opens, allowing the coolant to start flowing.

Outboard motor thermostat

The thermostat ensures that the engine maintains a consistent temperature and prevents it from overheating. If the boat thermostat is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of problems with the engine and cooling system. Inboard engines, on the other hand, operate on a closed-loop cooling system and pull coolant from a reservoir in the engine compartment. The thermostat is typically located between the engine and the water pump and is designed to open and close based on the temperature of the coolant used in an inboard engine or the incoming water in the case of an outboard motor. When the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, preventing the water or coolant from flowing through the engine, thus allowing the engine to warm up more quickly. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing the water to flow through the engine enable it to maintain a consistent temperature. The boat thermostat is an important component of the engine cooling system, as it helps to prevent the engine from overheating and causing damage. If the thermostat fails to open or close properly, it can cause the engine to never warm up i. If you own a boat, it is important to know how to identify an open thermostat. In this section, we will discuss what happens when a boat thermostat is stuck open and how to identify an open boat thermostat.

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If it didn't I'd be worried. I have even successfully reused the old gasket in these situations. However, a general rule of thumb is:. Cleaning: Over time, debris, especially from saltwater, can build upon the thermostat. The frequency of service largely depends on how often you use your boat and under what conditions. If it fails, replace it and the gasket with new ones. We plan to open registration next Wednesday, March 17, St. Sorry I couldn't be more enlightening. Otherwise the use of an infrared temperature gun is needed to determine the proper cylinder head temp, especially on outboards. However, its small size often leads to it being overlooked, despite its immense importance. Heavy Usage Fishermen, Tour Operators : In such cases, a more frequent check, possibly every six months, is recommended.

One of the least appreciated components of an outboard motor is the lowly thermostat.

Computer-controlled engines with digital displays may indicate a more accurate cooling system reading. It's a pretty easy job and cheap insurance. All rights reserved. As the engine temperature rises, the thermostat starts to open, letting coolant flow through and maintain the engine at an optimal temperature. Boat Type. I have a Yamaha 2 Stroke. If it was stuck open you would get water out the pee hole as soon as you start it up. The motor will often run under these conditions, but not optimally, and it is susceptible to more corrosion and wear. What else is in your onboard spare parts kit besides spark plugs, fuel filter, impeller and thermostat? As the waxy mixture expands from water heating up, it pushes upward on the piston attached to the bottom of the thermostat valve. Saltwater boating can lead to faster corrosion and buildup, so boats frequently used in such conditions may require more regular checks. I changed the thermostat on this engine a few years ago for similar reasons, and it was a clean and simple task. Thermostat location on my Yamaha T8.