Marine Thermostats & Sensors

A thermostat is a crucial engine component meant for keeping the operating temperature under control, which is necessary for optimal engine performance and fuel consumption. Its working principle in boat motors is almost the same as in cars: when the powerplant gets hotter, the thermostat gradually opens and vice versa. However, most outboard motors have an open-loop cooling system instead of a radiator and take the water from the environment. A thermostat is thus installed to prevent this water from entering the engine when it's still cold, and gradually opens when the motor becomes warmer.

When engine temperature gets lower, the thermostat gradually closes. But over time, this part goes bad and may get stuck in an open or closed position. In the first case, the powerplant gets slow to warm up or even can't achieve its normal temperature, which results in poor performance and high emissions, especially in cold weather. The second case is fraught with engine overheating that may happen even at idle or low running speed. If you're going to change your thermostat, browse our marine thermostats & sensors inventory where you can also find all the necessary gaskets, housings, and other components.