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I discovered that my temperature gauge was not registering this weekend. Checked all the leads, etc. and discovered that the thermostat was virtually cold to the touch even though I had been motoring in 3' seas and had run the engine at full throttle for a while.
I (after reading your manual...it is a life saver) pulled the thermostat off and found quite a bit of junk in the thermostat housing and assembly. Soaked it overnight in vinegar, cleaned and replaced it. Unfortunately the problem is not fixed and the same thing is happening.
I did not put the thermostat in hot water before replacing to see if the thermostat would open at 150 degrees as I assumed it was clogged by the junk in the thermostat...by the way...my thermostat looks different than the newer ones (I have the newer model A4). My thermostat has 3 springs that are holding the assembly in place.
Before I pull the thermostat again I saw that one of the possible problems is corrosion in the thermostat seat and that a spacer may solve the problem. Bottom line...what is the greater likelyhood? The thermostat needing replacement or I a spacer? Could there be a restriction elsewhere in the thermostat system? Would a flush with muratic acid, etc. maybe solve this problem also? Thanks in advance! Mike
PS...what could happen if I ignore this problem and go sailing for a weekend and use the motor?
I (after reading your manual...it is a life saver) pulled the thermostat off and found quite a bit of junk in the thermostat housing and assembly. Soaked it overnight in vinegar, cleaned and replaced it. Unfortunately the problem is not fixed and the same thing is happening.
I did not put the thermostat in hot water before replacing to see if the thermostat would open at 150 degrees as I assumed it was clogged by the junk in the thermostat...by the way...my thermostat looks different than the newer ones (I have the newer model A4). My thermostat has 3 springs that are holding the assembly in place.
Before I pull the thermostat again I saw that one of the possible problems is corrosion in the thermostat seat and that a spacer may solve the problem. Bottom line...what is the greater likelyhood? The thermostat needing replacement or I a spacer? Could there be a restriction elsewhere in the thermostat system? Would a flush with muratic acid, etc. maybe solve this problem also? Thanks in advance! Mike
PS...what could happen if I ignore this problem and go sailing for a weekend and use the motor?