3.0L Running Hot? 190 Degree Range

[enginesilo]

Since I purchased my boat used over 5 years ago the temp gauge once up to running temp reads in the 190 range. Yes, I know that is too hot and it should be more in the 170+/- range. When I first bought the boat I checked the temperature with an infrared thermometer and it read in the 170 range but I remember the temp changing drastically based on where I was shooting the gun (At the thermostat housing vs other areas). I figured it was probably a sensor or gauge issue so I didn't change anything and the boat has been fine for many years.

My boat this season ran great at the start of the season but I have lost a few hundred RPM's recently. So I'm going through the list of possible things it could be and I'm circling back around to the temp. Should I replace the thermostat with a new 160 thermostat? Is the thermostat and easy install by removing the thermostat housing screws and just swapping the thermostat and gaskets.

I've never heard a buzzer alarm, but I've also never looked hard enough to see if there is a buzzer installed. Does SeaRay usually install buzzers in mid 2000 boats as a standard? Would the buzzer be tucked under the dash somewhere if I look below?

I'm not sure if this is the fix to the issue I am having right now, or if it has been an existing issue and has done damage, but figure it can't hurt to change the thermostat.

Any tips appreciated.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: 3.0L Running Hot? 190 Degree Range

If you have never changed the thermostat, then I would do that. The thermostat is just as easy to replace as you describe. You could also just have an issue with either the temp sender or gauge. The buzzer would be mounted to the back side of the instrument panel, a lot of people tend to disconnect them so that they don't have to listen to it at startup - dumb idea.

 

[enginesilo]

Re: 3.0L Running Hot? 190 Degree Range

If you have never changed the thermostat, then I would do that. The thermostat is just as easy to replace as you describe. You could also just have an issue with either the temp sender or gauge. The buzzer would be mounted to the back side of the instrument panel, a lot of people tend to disconnect them so that they don't have to listen to it at startup - dumb idea.

Thanks for the info. Such an easy install, i'm definitely going to change it out. I thought of buying a cheap gauge to hook up just to see if it reads differently but i'll start with changing the thermostat and go from there. Is the sensor/sender easy to change as well if I want to try to do that next?

I forget if I hear a beep at start up, i'm going to poke my head under and look for the buzzer to make sure its hooked.