Question? MOTOR TEMPERATURE QUESTION...

highelbows · Jul-30-2008, 03:07 PM

My temp guage was not working when I got the boat. I just got it replaced but do not know what an inboard motor's normal operating temperature is. I know cars are about 180. Boats?

Boat info:
Motor is a new crate chevy 350 w/ a volvo 280 outdrive. I runs great I just would like to know for my own piece of mind.

Thanks

ConSeaMate · Jul-30-2008, 03:13 PM

My 318 Chrysler's has a 165 thermostat in it......

I don't know if that helps....

Barbarosa · Jul-30-2008, 03:41 PM

Raw water cooled, probably a 140 or 145 degree thermostat; closed cooling system about 160 or 165 degrees.

The engines run better at the hotter temperature but running the hotter thermostat in a RWC system means too much temperature swing when the thermostat opens.

My old Skippy had the same set up you have and it always stayed at 140 degrees (unless I sucked up a plastic trash bag). Watch the gauge!

JUST-IN-TIME · Jul-30-2008, 06:13 PM

all mercs past 1998 run a 160 t-stat

LTBOLTMAN · Jul-30-2008, 10:32 PM

my 4.3L (V-6) with SX outdrive (has heat exchanger-closed system) runs mid to high 160's

Sharkfishermn · Jul-30-2008, 10:42 PM

depends on how it was built (stock- pumped up alittle) I have a 350 in my bayliner with a little lumpy cam in it and 202 heads for performance and I run it 175' for better performance. I get better performance and gas milage if I run it 175 vs 150 or under. I have heat exchangers in mine also. Try a thermostate at 150 and then 175 and see if you can tell on the performance of the motor. good luck and if all fails ask the person who built the motor what would be best for that perticular motor!! good luck.

furniture 4 me · Jul-31-2008, 01:51 PM

i know i am going to take some slack for this but call john at global west marine, YES he builds motors and know these type of question and ansewers. ITS A FREE phone call for those that want to rip me apart. just a suggestion. 951-675-7034

Az.monkey · Jul-31-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by furniture 4 me

i know i am going to take some slack for this but call john at global west marine, YES he builds motors and know these type of question and ansewers. ITS A FREE phone call for those that want to rip me apart. just a suggestion. 951-675-7034

Mike, why would anybody want to give you grief for passing along helpfull info ? I'm confused

furniture 4 me · Aug-02-2008, 06:13 PM

i gave some one some info a few weeks back and the shit hit the fan because i said give John at Global West Marine a call. so i just covered my back side this time. thanks i agree.

Outlawman · Aug-02-2008, 10:52 PM

YES, call john at global west marine... he'll know! Just funning with Mike there from a past discussion... But of course, if he's willing to help, it's all good.

Ran mine today (twin Volvo 350's and they are running at 140. I'll be running them tomorrow for the first time since buying the boat and if they run warmer, I'll let you know.

furniture 4 me · Aug-03-2008, 08:07 AM

Sweet hopefully its working OK and no Problems.

highelbows · Aug-04-2008, 09:57 AM

Thanks for all of the replys guys. A big help. I put a new guage and matching sender in and it looks like the thermostat may be stuck open. The motor appears to be running at about 120-130. Now I can tear into something else. That is the fun part for me.