Running without thermostats?

[PensacolaJason]

I have a 1987 120hp Evinrude that was overheating this weekend. I took it home and checked the thermostats and the attached picture is what they look like. Long story short I believe the issue is with the impeller, but after I spoke with a local mechanic here in Pensacola, FL I was told that he advises against running with thermostats installed. He suggested removing them since we don't get cold enough in this area of the country for it to matter. He said he never installs thermostats in his rebuilds. I'd like to know if this is a good idea.

If this is recommended, do I just un-screw the thermostat from the diagram gasket and install the diaphragm gasket without the thermostat back into the housing? I have attached a picture of the thermostat screwed into the gasket and also the parts breakdown of what it looks like.

 

[PensacolaJason]

Here are the pictures

 

[glenn property of pam]

pictures are not working at the moment can you post at photobucket or a site like that then copy the links.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would find a different mechanic

 

[Tim Frank]

I'd like to know if this is a good idea.

No.
Fix the overheat problem, Don't simply try to hide it. JMO.

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Thermostats are there for a motor to operate under a consistent temp which is optional for the jetting in the carbs without it running your not running factory air fuel ratio.

 

[F_R]

NOAA says the average water temp in Gulf of Mexico at Pensacola is 58 in December and 86 in August. So, all other things equal, for your motor to be running at the desired 140 degrees today, there would be a 54 degree rise from 86 to 140. Increase your December temp by 54 degrees and your motor will be running at 112 degrees. Not ideal, but certainly better than Lake Superior which is now 40-ish and gets down to ice.

Anyhoo, those thermostats were put there for a reason. It is hard to believe that leaving them out will be any advantage.

 

[glenn property of pam]

if your motor has fast start (timing advance until temp is meet) don't be surprised if it revs high especially when running on muffs.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The OP should fix the overheat problem. just because some hack calls himself a mechanic and says you can run without thermostats to cover up the problem, doesnt mean its true. sort of like dating a french actor on the internet.

 

[Tim Frank]

The OP should fix the overheat problem........sort of like dating a french actor on the internet.

I never knew that dating a French actor on the Internet could fix an overheat problem.
Amazing what nuggets of wisdom you can pick up in here.

 

[Scott Danforth]

alluding to the following state farm commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_CgPsGY5Mw

 

[Triangleboater]

Yeah, so the engineers that design these things are purrrty smart. Definitely get a thermostat back in there.