Running in cold water? Temps?

[beermunk]

Sigh... one more question(s)...

Mercruiser 3.0L w/ Alpha 1 I/0, 2004 model.

Last time out on the water I noticed my temps never got up into the 160f range. Stayed in the 140 range. River water at that time was in the high 40's. I just got it back from the shop where they put in a new driveshaft seal and hooked it up to the muffs. Started and ran for about 10 min at idle speed and the temp gauge never went above 120F. I was using well water which is extremely cold, 52.6F according to my calibrated thermometer, on the muffs.

I took the drain hoses off and the water that came out was hardly hot, I could easily run my hands through it. Is this just an issue running this engine with such cold water? Or is there something else I should look for?

Also, the grand asshat masters at this place told me they filled lower unit up with driveshaft lube. When I got there though the reserve bottle was empty. I asked them WTF and they dumped two pints into the res and that brought it up to the line. I unscrewed the lower vent drain screw and fluid came out right away so was the empty reserve just a fluke or is there a big air bubble in my drive somewhere??

[badmoonrising]

That's about the right operating temp when the water's that cold. First couple of fishing trips, my Starcraft runs about that warm until the water temps climb. As for the empty reservoir, proper procedure is to fill the lower unit until the gear oil comes out the vent and then fill the reservoir. Run it until it's warm and recheck the reservoir. Looks like the tech neglected to check...or recheck. Dumbass.

[beermunk]

Well... Thanks for the advice on the temps. I took off the top part of the thermostat housing and the gasket was pretty well worn and dirty. I tore off the old gasket (pain) but couldn't get the plastic housing out that holds the thermostat in. So I just replaced the gasket and put new sealant on. Started it back up and there was a minor dribble coming out of one spot. It should work for the weekend.

Next week when I'll get it in to a shop and have them change it out.