operating temp?

[boaterdan0917]

Have a 1976 omc sterdrive 302 engine what is the recommended running temperature? Boat sat for 2 years cleaned plugs regap .30, cleaned wiring fuel filter good, enginge seems to run hot over 170 have a feeling maybe t stat might be bad if sat that long any help thanks

 

[johnnygjr]

cant hurt to change it,new gasket,old one might be stamped with temp,

 

[RicardoMarine]

Dan, as a general rule:

Engines with Closed Cooling systems can operate safely at/near 160* regardless of the water that the boat is being operated in.
Engines without Closed Cooling systems and in River/Lake water, can run about the same.
Engines without Closed Cooling systems and in Sea Water, should run the 143* stat as to help avoid Salt Crystalization that begins to occur at above 140ish degrees.


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