Thermostat change questions 1968 evinrude 18hp

[james__12345]

I am putting a new thermostat in my 1968 evinrude 18 hp. I figured as cheap as it was, and since so many of the other parts in this motor seemed to have never been replaced, it couldn't hurt. I have two questions about the install. First, do I put anything on the new gasket for the cover? The other question is, is there a specific torque for the screws in the cover, and if so what is it? Thanks.

 

[AlTn]

Re: Thermostat change questions 1968 evinrude 18hp

omc gasket sealing compound...I'd guess any would do...I don't recall the size of the cover screws but the workshop manual calls for 10-12 ft/lb for 5/16"...it's not critical as too loose will only leak water to the outside of the block

 

[james__12345]

Re: Thermostat change questions 1968 evinrude 18hp

I'm glad I decided to replace it. Turns out it was stuck open, and there was a chunk of old impeller partially blocking one of the water passages under the cover. No telling what trouble that may have caused if I had taken this motor out on the lake like that.