SoCal Jet Boats
Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: dm2bfree on January 30, 2009, 04:55:17 PM
-
I currently just run a hose through a shut-off valve and turn down the water to get the temp in the ball park, when I'm running at speed my temp wants to dip in the 120's, but when I idle its around 180+.. So, I'm thinking about installing a thermostat in conjunction w/ a bypass kit to get it right in the 160 range. Here's a discussion I pulled off www.performancejet.com some time ago, but the site is now down (was able to google it and find the article in the cache).. Do you think what is explained below will work?
" Now, for you Ford people that can't use the bypass thermostat kit because it won't fit your manifold, this is what I do, and it works just fine. I take off the stock thermostat housing and mill out the divider on the inside just enough to install a 160 degree marine thermostat. I drill two 3/16" holes on each side of the thermostat body so that water will still exit the engine when closed. Re-install the thermostat and install a pressure relief kit in front of the engine (off of the jet). Set up your water lines as previously discussed. NOTE* You must use the pressure relief kit or you will have too much water pressure in the engine when the thermostat is closed. In my opinion, these are the basic solutions for most engine cooling problems for the average jet boat. PERFORMANCE JET can set you up with everything that you need, or you do it yourself, but remember, don't skimp. Buy good parts and do the job right the first time. Remember your jet boat is supposed to be a pleasure boat. So keep it that way. "
-
That setup works bitchin' and his price is right on those kits as well, the valve itself is $65. Jim's a good guy and knows his shit, give him a call, he'll steer you right.
-
So I finally installed a regulator and bypass kit in my sleekcraft, I'll take pics of it tomorrow! One question though when it comes to the thermostat.. I'm planning going the route explained here in the last paragraph (same as I posted earlier) http://www.performancejet.com/ttjetboatenginecooling.html
I don't know if I'm reading it right or not, this guy says "I drill two 3/16" holes on each side of the thermostat body", maybe I'm slow, but I'm not sure if he means 4 total holes (2 on each side) or if he mean a total of 2 holes 1 on each side???? Whadda think? :screwy: I "think" he means 4?
-
My guess would be 4 holes.
-
So I got it all installed at the boat ran at a perfect 160 all day on throttle.. When I idles, it would hop up to 180 for a minute then cool back down to 160. BUT, now I have another question!?
I ran a pressure regulator in front my my pressure relief valve and set it to 15 psi. I then "guestimated" the 15 psi for the relief valve, I turned my compressor down to 15psi and fit my the air nozzle into the relief valve and backed it out until it started opening from the pressure. When I was running the boat, I noticed the relieve valve was pissing water even at idle sometimes.. I'm thinking I might have it set to light, but I'm not sure of a better way to set the relief valve, there are no marking on it, you just loosen or tighten a spring to adjust.
-
I currently just run a hose through a shut-off valve and turn down the water to get the temp in the ball park, when I'm running at speed my temp wants to dip in the 120's, but when I idle its around 180+.. So, I'm thinking about installing a thermostat in conjunction w/ a bypass kit to get it right in the 160 range. Here's a discussion I pulled off www.performancejet.com some time ago, but the site is now down (was able to google it and find the article in the cache).. Do you think what is explained below will work?
" Now, for you Ford people that can't use the bypass thermostat kit because it won't fit your manifold, this is what I do, and it works just fine. I take off the stock thermostat housing and mill out the divider on the inside just enough to install a 160 degree marine thermostat. I drill two 3/16" holes on each side of the thermostat body so that water will still exit the engine when closed. Re-install the thermostat and install a pressure relief kit in front of the engine (off of the jet). Set up your water lines as previously discussed. NOTE* You must use the pressure relief kit or you will have too much water pressure in the engine when the thermostat is closed. In my opinion, these are the basic solutions for most engine cooling problems for the average jet boat. PERFORMANCE JET can set you up with everything that you need, or you do it yourself, but remember, don't skimp. Buy good parts and do the job right the first time. Remember your jet boat is supposed to be a pleasure boat. So keep it that way. "
For what it's worth, I also hated to see low water temps, with a thermostat kit my water never stayed the same. It was either on the way up, or falling like a rock(about a 25* swing). Drove me nuts. It wasn't until I installed an oil temp gauge that I discovered my oil temp(once warmed up) was perfect without the thermostat. If my water is 130ish, my oil stays 210ish. To each his own, but I think every boat should have an oil temp gauge. It may not be ideal but I tapped the sender right into the drain plug, the whole deal may have taken 30 minutes.
-
So here's how it came out... I put a water pressure gauge up near the front of the motor, eventually i'll get a sender and mount a gauge in the dash..
-
check out cp performance =there is a new ford thermo setup