4.3 l operating temp and thermostat

[tistab]

For my 1998 Captiva with a 4.3L engine what temp should it run. Its actually showing about 120-130 on the gauge which I believe is too low. You can comfortably put your hand on the thermo housing after running for an hour or more, which kind of confirms its running at a low temp and the gauge is reasonably correct. . This boat was purchased used with 100 hours on the engine this season and it only has about 120 hours on it now. All maintenance has been performed.
I dont even know if there is a stat in there. I plan on pulling the housing cover and replacing the stat (or installing one it none is in there) , but what temp should I get. Its seawater cooled and I run on lake St Clair in Michigan.

Please give me your advice and experience on this matter

Thanks
Dennis

[mvn]

I'm thinking somewhere around 175°F.

Mark

[AlexisandChad]

I agree with MVN, should be between 170 and 180.  Mine run at 172- 175 depending on water temp.  They were reading low and my gauge would never move.  Pulled the thermostat and replaced and got good temp.  My economy went up and the engine just ran better.  HTH

[kleake]

I agree, mine runs 170-175 pretty much all the time.  After unloading from the trailer I idle the dock and let it idle while everyone loads.  It's usually about 130ish by the time I idle away from the dock, and it's up to 160 or so by the time I get out of the no wake zone.