Thermostat service life

[JSU Fishing]

I have a 2015 Optimax Pro XS 200 S/N: 2B116010

The motor now has around 80-90 hours on it and I'm going through my 100 hour checklist. At what interval should I check or replace the thermostats. Also, is the double poppet built into the thermostat, or is that another part to check or replace?

What is the correct P/N for the thermostat and gasket for this motor?

Thanks in advance

[Jtreed99]

I wouldn’t replace a working thermostat. The poppet is on the adapter plate between the powerhead and midsection. You can enter your serial on Don’s parts link in the stickies to get any part numbers and to order parts.

[haus9393]

I’m at over 700 hours on my original thermostats. They still work exactly how they did when I got the boat in 2016. I clean them out about twice a year when something gets stuck. Usually a piece of wood.

[Savage]

I agree with the others. I've been running Optimax motors since 1999, and never replaced a thermostat on any of my motors.

[lpugh]

I have owned various outboards for carbed efi and optimax and have yet needed to replace a thermostat, Cleaned them hundreds of times. I would say there service life is very good

[JSU Fishing]

Thanks guys. I've only ever pulled the thermostats on a motor once, when I was having a water pressure issue. I'll order the replacement gaskets, in case I damage them.

I don't have a smartcraft gauge, so what's the best way to test them? What temp should I heat the water to for testing them?

[Savage]

Get a Smartcraft gauge.
Thermostats are 130*, so heat water to 130*.
Make sure thermostats seal off completely when they are at ambient temperature.

[GBhoss]

I have finally (7 years, 2 different boats) had to replace a T-Stat that quit working properly.... Starboard side would not come up to temp and no debris was found so I assumed after being cleaned so many times it finally just quit. Port side was fine.