Fitch thermostat covers

[fireman_bob]

Hi,
I've got a 2000 200hp ficht and can't get the thermostat covers off. I've tried using a socket as well as a pipe wrench on the covers, but they just slip off and the edges of the flats are getting rounded off. I've only tried on the smaller top section as I don't have a wrench big enough to grab the lower section flats.

Any ideas/tricks on how can I get these off to change the t'stats?

They appear to be some sort of hard plastic. Would it be possible to just cut them off and replace them?
Thanks.


Modified by fireman_bob at 8:46 AM 3/24/2010

[SEAHORSE]

Sounds like someone hasn't been checking thermostats during the annual or 100 hr. services.

Use a 1 1/2" socket and a long breaker bar to get them loose or to shear them off. Then use a chisel to remove the remaining plastic. Clean the threads, use new caps if needed, and apply Triple-Guard grease liberally to the caps and orings.

[fireman_bob]

Yes, you're right, but I'm learning :). I've done everything else (lower unit oil, changed filters, water pump/impeller, re-rigged the tubing from the transom). I missed this one, but that's this weekend's project. The guy I got it from told me it had been serviced "regularly" by an Evinrude dealer and everything else is fine with the motor.

Thanks for the advice.

[fireman_bob]

We I got them off. The 1 1/2" socket didn't work as it just ripped the edges off the plastic flats. All I could get was a 12 point socket. Maybe a 6 point would have worked. Anyway, I used a 36mm socket (slightly smaller) and pounded it over the flats to make it fit :). Once it was tightly on, I was able to break the covers free with a breaker bar. The covers ended up breaking off about 1/2" from the bottom, but I was able to pick out the plastic remains with an awl.
These covers will now be on my annual checklist of things to take off and lube.

How often should the t'stats be replaced? (I run in salt water and use the boat 3-5 times a week from May to November).