Thermostat temp question

[run out]

I have a 200 johnson and i am changing the thermostats, poppett valves and water pump impella, it was time to do so. My question is are the stats to open at 145 degree or lower? That 145 is a # marked on the bottom stem and when i threw one in hot water that seemed to be the trigger. This seems a little high to me. MTR; IS A 1986. THANKS.

 

[haffiman37]

145 is correct. You may notice if running with a temp gauge that temp FALLS at higher rpm, even that is correct and due to the by-pass system. Above 145 F you run the risk of creating salt build-up in the system