Thermostat Orientation

[cstalder]

Hi,
Thanks in advance for your help.
I have a 77 Mercruiser 188
I believe that attached is the diagram for this engine's cooling system.
Want to make sure I get the correct.
Question is, spring up or down.
The diagram seems to indicate spring up from the pic of the Tstat.
When taking apart spring was down.
I think the temperature sensing element is on the spring side which would make me think the spring should go down.

Please comment. Thanks Craig

 

[Scott Danforth]

Spring goes down

 

[cstalder]

Thanks. That makes sence

 

[Lou C]

Spring always has to face the direction that the exiting water is coming from...