Are clogged Tstats just part of owning a Mercury?

[OH_Ranger]

Happened to me 1 time in 13 years.
Id get those pinch pliers if I had your problems.

[ZO6]

250 pro xs 2s 2018. Before this motor I had a 2012 250 pro xs. I literally get a stuck open stat at least every month(I don’t get to use the boat nearly as much as I like) where I need to pull both stats to find whatever debris is keeping it from fully closing and reaching operating temperature. Are the new 4s mercs designed any better?

Trying to fix on the water is doable but very nerve racking unless you can beach the boat. Is there any on the water tricks? I’m amazed I don’t hear more about this even before the 4 strokes I don’t recall others having such issues

I had a 2005 Mercury 250XS Racing Engine for 850 hrs, 12 yrs before I repowered. Was strong and running great when I sold it. Loved it…. And hated it. If you want to keep an Optimax alive ALWAYS allow the temp to get to 130 degrees before running it hard. If it doesn’t get to that and maintain it ….. check your and clean thermostats first. Next check poppet valve for proper operation. Thermostats are pretty much useless over 2000 rpm. This is Especially important in cold water. Don’t just fire it up and hammer it.
That will do more to keep an Optimax alive and running well than anything I know.

[PatriotAW4]

Never had trouble with the old torque master , and the sportmaster i have now, but the 2 motors i had with the new style ,wing master both had trouble with wood chips..

That seems to be the common denominator, they also get plugged up with grass easier as well. On the plus side though they don't loose water pressure if you run them too high like the older lowers did. I remember on the older Tritons they were setup the best when you had the motor high as it could go and still keep good enough water pressure, with the Torque master 2 I have never been able to run one high enough to loose water pressure unless it is so high the prop is blowing out and the boat is performing poorly.

[Mahomee]

250 pro xs 2s 2018. Before this motor I had a 2012 250 pro xs. I literally get a stuck open stat at least every month(I don’t get to use the boat nearly as much as I like) where I need to pull both stats to find whatever debris is keeping it from fully closing and reaching operating temperature. Are the new 4s mercs designed any better?

Trying to fix on the water is doable but very nerve racking unless you can beach the boat. Is there any on the water tricks? I’m amazed I don’t hear more about this even before the 4 strokes I don’t recall others having such issues

The 4s has one stat on top that issue is fixed. it also has built in strainer etc.

I put a strainer on my 2s AFTER blowing one up because the head w no temp sensor had the stat stuck open.

[apdriver]

I have a mercury Monitor and it gives me one temperature. I understand this is an average temp. Is there a way to monitor both banks besides one of those Diacom systems? Those don’t do any good while on the water fishing.

[skeeterator]

I'm curious what the operating temps for a 200 pro xs otimax should be after reading this.

[1ranger487vs]

Minimum 120

[OH_Ranger]

I'm curious what the operating temps for a 200 pro xs otimax should be after reading this.

Go read all the sticky on the Merc forum. Lots of valuable info. Idle temp is important to know your thermostats work properly.

[skeeterator]

Minimum 120

Thanks
I put a smart craft connect on my opti last week and was curious what the temp should be.

[BassinB]

Nope. Never had an optimax though.

[jbabin76]

I put a strainer on my 2s AFTER blowing one up because the head w no temp sensor had the stat stuck open.

What strainer and where is was it installed?

[jbabin76]

I used to keep pinch pliers in the boat and that worked but still somewhat of a pain because it would still allow some flow through. I decided to install a full port ball valve in each hose. Now I just remove the cowling and close the valve and let the temp come up to fully open the stat. Then I stop the motor, open the valves, start it back up and apply some throttle to flush it out. Has worked flawlessly.

Picture of this setup?

[Mahomee]

What strainer and where is was it installed?

3/8 or 5/16 hose runs up to the engine from the lower unit on the port side. Im sure you can find a video or thread on here about it. I found it some place years ago after my 2s broke a piston from clogged open stat.

[fishin couillon]

I've only had my 2S 200 for 11 yrs and I found out quick how to remove and clean stats....had to do it at the ramp before if not would have cut a trip real short...

[SUSHII]

What strainer and where is was it installed?

https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=565408

[skeeterator]

https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=565408

Pics in that thread are removed.