Correct Thermostat for 78 Nautique

I just got the boat a year ago, and the engine never seemed to get up to temp - it stayed at the bottom. (I thought the guage may have been busted.) When I winterized the boat I had to chisel the thermostat out - it was rusted open, replacing it with a 170 degree one. The motor is a Chevy 350 with about 470 hours on it. I just noticed a comment from the previous owner that he had used a 142 degree thermostat. Am I right to use the 170 thermostat?

The answer is: 142 degrees.

I know nothing about engine thermostats. What I did was to check with the most experienced inboard repair place in Madison, Wi, and they right away mentioned the 143. The previous owner was adamant about the 143. And I went on the web and found this article http://www.hiperformer.com/chevy350/marine_engine.html, and another article (actually someone had created a pdf) that had tech specs from that era 350's, and it indicated they were shipped with the 143. So, despite 143 seeming to be wrong in general for chevy 350 engines, that is what I went with.

No, it is a right hand prop. The previous owner showed me how the engine stringers had to be cut down about 3/4 of an inch to accomodate the chevy engine. I understand that very few of these were made. So that makes the boat a valuable collector's item?

79nautique wrote: But I do find it odd that you have a Chevy motor in your 78 SN, does it also spin a left handed prop too?

Chris,
It's called a OMC marinization! It was the premium optional engine. Yes, some people will pay more for the Chev!! In fact, Tom's engine was discussed back in 08. Your memory is going!!

BTW, it is a RR.

lol on the name, maybe Chris should change his to hothead
My motor is slightly different than it started out as well but thanks for noticing. It also helps warm the lake up