Engine Temp Range?

[Lifes Good]

For years all my outdrive engines have run at 175 degree's.  My current configuration is 5.0 OSI FWC.  Both are now around 180.  How high should I allow them to reach before I get concerned?  My next thing to do is to put in new them-stats...  Yes, I am in salt water so I am aware of the risers and rust inside. But I should be good for another 2 years I hope.

Input appreciated


LG

[pepmyster]

5 degreses is nothing to worry about. 10 to 15 would concern me.

[alswagg]

Before you do change T stats, take an actual reading of the engine for temp.  The Gauges are not acutate but are consistant.  Don't be alarmed if the engines are actually at 165* and your gauges are reading 180*.  Still the gauges are there for basic information.  They do work cosistantly but read higher than normal.  Al

[Lifes Good]

Thanks Al!  I will have that done on my next service appt in Sept.  The risers are very warm but cool enough to keep my hand on them after a hard run.

LG

[AlexisandChad]

Now there goes Al again!!   

I had the same concern when I first got my boat and running it hard for a year and my temps changed. Granted it was only 4 - 8 degrees but I asked my mechanic and he said to do what Al said and make sure it wasn't the gauge.  Sure enough it was. I wouldn't worry about it but if you see a spike of 15 degrees I would then start to do some investigating.   

[Dream 'Inn]

For years I had one engine that ran at 180 and the other at 170.  I finally connected into Smartcraft this year and it says one is at 158 and the other at 154.  Go figure.

[Le Meez]

Heh, my Smartcraft reads 156 and 154 too!

[Break Aweight]

I Have been runibg at 170 & 180 for years, the engine with the 180 uses less fuel?/