I recently bght a 86 242ls and just had it out for the first time this weekend. Water temp gauge seemed very low. Anyway of testing to see if this gauge is accurate? Maybe my termostat is stuck open. Not sure.

Maybe someone removed the t-stat

Go for the thermostat first, it's the most likely culprit. Get the actual marine version. It has special gaskets that provide the proper ground.

Ok will do. Thaks t-bird. I am a new formula owner and this site is great. Thanks for all your help. I'll post some pics later.

You want a 143* t-stat. water temps should run about 10* over that at highest.