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1983 25hp Johnson J25RCTE thermostat bolts and torque

T

tobers

New member
my 25hp johnson seems to run fine, but when I went to flush it, I couldn't get it to pee. Tried 4 times, including running briefly in a lake. I fear it might have been this way for the last trip or two, but it seems to be running fine, so maybe it's just recent.

So, I bought a water pump and thermostat and gasket. I haven't done the water pump yet, but I got the old thermostat out -- didn't test it but it looks terrible -- and I can not find the torque specs for the thermostat bolts, either in my manual or online. Most are 7/16 head but 3 (I think) are 3/8 head.

What should I torque those thermostat bolts to??

Also: Can I replace those bolts with stainless bolts from a hardware store, or must they come from Johnson?

Thanks. Rick
 
Looks like I have a multitude of problems.

1. when I pulled the thermostat, and tested it, it didn't open. the new one did. So, don't know how long I've run it without cooling. Have a new one and gasket. Will put that on.
2. the water pump was shot. The impeller was almost all intact, but rubber had started to bond to the metal housing a little. I'm guessing its because it ran hot. One tiny piece of rubber was loose. I guess I should check the intake tube to be sure its clear? I have a new kit. I'll put that on.
3. The whole interior of the lower housing was covered in a light black greasy substance. Is that simply from the exhaust circulating with no water pump, or something else/worse? I did run it in a trash can and the water recirculated. It wasn't peeing.
4. And, the drive shaft slipped out of the lower unit, and with it some of the lower unit gear lubricant, which was thick, but chocolate. Water must have gotten into it. I'll change it. Is this likely the result of water building up in the housing and not circulating? I think the seal on the bottom unit is good. Can I pressure check it? Just wondering if the water in the lower unit is tied to two things that I know are broken: the thermostat and, consequently, the water pump.
thank you!
thank you!
 
thanks to all! I replaced the thermostat and water pump. Both were obviously shot. Now it appears to be peeing great. I'll test in on the water soon. So grateful for your help. So grateful. Rick
 
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