Oil thermostat..can they go bad?
 

I just installed a KE oil thermo/filter. I bought it off a fellow Oso'er. Installed the unit with my new bigger oil cooler. My temp's were 260 at 3500rpm & I have both incoming & outgoing senders. Took the thermo/filter apart & boiled the thermostat to see if it would open. Thermostat is rated at 212, water boils & t-stat still remains closed. Can a thermostat like this go bad??
Caltherm is the brand, where can I buy a something like this? The weather is awesome this weekend & I wanna go boating.Thanks John

Try checking the thermostat in a hot mixture of antifreeze and water... that will give you a better idea when it actually opens. Truth be known... that is how manufacturers recommend you test water thermostats for cars... not just in water... but a mixture... get a candy thermometer and check when it first opens and fully opens.

I boiled for 5 mins and it was still closed. Water boils at 212 , my thought would be that it should open when reaching boiling temp?

Johno,
I have the KE remote oil thermostat, and I see high oil temps also. I did the same thing you did, and removed the thermostat and boiled it. It was a while back but I remember that it seemed to open when it should. I used a Thermocouple meter to measure the temps, pretty accurate.
My next step was to rebuild the sea water pump and then bypass the thermostat to see what my temps do. I tried to contact Keith, but it was just when he gave his business away and I have not heard from him since.
Did you run the boat/motor combination before installing the stat to see what temps you got?
I installed the unit when I built the boat/motor, so I have no idea what it will do without it. I just kept an eye on oil temps and did see 280 at times.

Let me know if you find any more info on this unit. I may end up removing it, although I love the idea of having it, if it works..

Dick

Hey Johno..
I just did a search for Caltherm.. Look what I found. they are just the other side of the state from me.. LOL

http://www.caltherm.com/

I looked at the oil stats and dont see one that looks like ours..

The water stats look more like ours.. take a look..

Good luck.

Dick

Mr Gadgets,
KE is alive and well, spoke with them earlier this week.
I have the feeling that my t-stat is not working correctly. KE staff have been real helpful, faxed and sent all kinds of literature. The stat should open at 212 when the water boils. I tried to pry it open at boiling temp and you would think it would open with a little help, no way. I will call KE Monday & Caltherm to get a replacement.
Thanks John

I checked mine using a candy thermometer. Opened right on the money. I used boiling water.

Johno,
It sounds like your correct. Mine did open on it's own at the right temp, but I am still seeing high oil temps.
Let me know how it works out for you..

Dick