SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: Motoghost on November 01, 2010, 09:48:01 PM

Title: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?
Post by: Motoghost on November 01, 2010, 09:48:01 PM
Hey guys I just had my 454 rebuilt, and wanted to know if I run thermostat in it or leave it wide open without one?

From some Jet boat guys told me to run it wide open, my friend whos a great car guy told me put a thermostat in it or it will never warm up.

Wanted to know what you guys thought since you guys probably know,  Thanks alot.

Title: Re: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?
Post by: lbhsbz on November 01, 2010, 09:50:29 PM
I would run it without one.  I have a valve on the fitting coming off the pump to limit water flow IN to the engine, then I leave the system wide open from there. 
Title: Re: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?
Post by: GT Jets on November 01, 2010, 09:53:25 PM
This subject has been beaten like an ugly smelly dog...... ;D

What makes the decision for me is what the piston to cylinder wall clearances are...

Cold shock is an issue that can only be controlled by a thermostat. I have run them both ways, but for unrelated reasons. Since you are probably not running an engine circulating water pump, I would say you may be better off without one, if it was built with automotive cylinder clearances, I say run not only a stat, but a block mounted pump (automotive type.)...

I am certain more people will chime in, but you have my .o2C  :thumbup:

GT
Title: Re: Thermostat or no Thermostat in a BBC?
Post by: Motoghost on November 01, 2010, 10:14:08 PM
After the rebuild the motor has a standard crank in it and the cylinder walls are at .30 over.

I have those water home depot looking spigot valves in my boat, two of them, one is for water flow the other is so I can hook up a garden hose to it to run the boat.

I have Hardin marine through transom exhaust, Any tips on how to do this right I would appreciate it, the boat has never ran for me and I just spent 3K on a rebuild so I would
like to do this once and do it right.

Thanks Guys,
SMFPacks CMS 1.0.3 © 2026