old thermostat and new thermostat both run at 175f?

[beermunk]

Hey all - we've been enjoying the tri-toon much this summer! Unfortunately on the 4th of July a friend decided to grab the controls while I was pushing off a sandbar and try to "power us out." Sucked a bunch of sand into the cooling system and stuck the thermostat in the open position. No biggie, took it in and had it replaced. It was the original on a 2004 Mercruiser so it was probably due anyway.

Now for my question:
- My old thermostat ran at 170-175F
- My new thermostat runs at 175F
I thought that these were 160F thermostats. Is it possible my temp gauge isn't calibrate correctly? Any way to verify the temp besides trying to stick a thermostat into the quick-drain holes?

And if it is actually running at 175, am I hurting anything?

[beermunk]

Bump - anyone?

[badmoonrising]

Both of my boats have 3.0s and both run about 165. If the water pump sucked in a bunch of sand and it ended up in the block, the temp may go up a bit. Sometimes after running hard it may flush a bit of it out. A Mercruiser mechanic once told me he's seen motors caked with sand/mud in the water jackets, just be careful not to let that happen too often

175 isn't going to hurt anything, if it ever approaches/goes over 200, then you have to worry.

[beermunk]

Both of my boats have 3.0s and both run about 165. If the water pump sucked in a bunch of sand and it ended up in the block, the temp may go up a bit. Sometimes after running hard it may flush a bit of it out. A Mercruiser mechanic once told me he's seen motors caked with sand/mud in the water jackets, just be careful not to let that happen too often

175 isn't going to hurt anything, if it ever approaches/goes over 200, then you have to worry.

Thanks badmoonrising - I wanted to confirm what I already thought. We're going out on Lake Winnebago this weekend and there's nothing but WOT fun through nice clean fresh water. Hopefully she'll flush out good.

[beermunk]

Thinking more about the possibility that sand is in the block - what are your thoughts on this idea:

Drain the block after this weekend and let dry for a week. After the block is "dry" drive the boat on the trailer down some bumpy roads to try and free up the sand. Then put the motor on muff and disconnect the engine block Quick-Connect hose and flush out into the bilge.

Worth it?

[badmoonrising]

Probably a bad idea. Don't know about where you are, but the sand/silt around here has alot of clay in it and once it's dry, it's like concrete. I'd take it out for a long cruise and let it trickle out little by little. I am doubting there's alot in there anyway, but over the years it can add up and cause blockages.