V8 OMC Operating Temp

[STV_Keith]

Pulled the heads off last night and two had t-stats and two didn't. My Autometer gauges have always read between 90-100*F when running other than when I had to come home on one motor, full throttle at 4500rpm and it would get to ~130*F.

Where should these motors run? Should I put t-stats back in them to get the temp up?

[inspectorlance]

but I was talking with Al last week about this on my V6 and in the driveway in a tank I was between 130 and 145. He said I was right on. the thermos are set at 133.

Ya sound too cold. I had a damaged themo gasket on one side that was letting water through, it woudnt come over 90 deg. when the other side was at 135. replaced gasket and all is good. Ya also make less power at those cold temps.

Lance

[STV_Keith]

That's what I thought. These motors are cobbled though...I don't think I have the water control valves either. I will look tonight. Need to find someone (like Al) that knows what I should had. Just called for Al and he's out for a week.

Also need to get these heads cut (which is why they came off) so I need to find an OMC guy to cut them ASAP. I have to have them back by the end of next week.

[Mastercraft241]

if im not mistaken, i thought autometer gauges didnt work with the v8's .

[STV_Keith]

I'm using a dedicated gauge with it's own sender. 60-210*F.

[lokinutz]

Keith,
Any good machine shop should be able to cut your heads without any problem.
As far as your cooling, if you don't have the water controll valves, you need to be running the '92 era 70HP thermostat covers with the early V6 thermostat bullets and springs. I got mine from ishopmarine.com .You should then also be running a hose out of the top of the block direct to a pisser with about a 3/8 restrictor.
As inspectorlance stated, 135-140 is good.
What year are your V8's?