454 thermostat missing
 

I just put a rebuilt 454 in my boat. Was sold a 454 with a cracked block and it destroyed it's self the first week. Put the crank right through the oil pan, could have sunk the boat. I used all the parts except the long block. I just noticed that the original Thermostat housing has no thermostat. This is the big housing with 2 supply hoses and 2 discharge hose connections to the manifolds and risers and the over temp pick up wires on the side. What thermostat should I use deg F. Any good reason the original may have been removed? There are also 2 plugs on the lines to the bottom of the manifolds with springs. Must be used to limit the flow. Should these be adjusted in any way? Will not haveing the thermostat damage the motor in any way?
Thanks for your advice.

Hi Chris, Bummer about the engine. I asume you are raw water cooled in which case you need a 140-145 degree thermostat. And without it you will run too cold causing condensation problems in the engine. Yea, those ball and springs are there to make sure some water goes to each side. I dont think there is any adjustment.