I just bought a 99 232 with a 7.4 mpi and a buddy of mine that has a 336 formula swears up and down about how he'll never run t-stats. Reason being is because we boat on a inland lake that is mud bottom.

Can I run with out a t-stat with the fuel injection? or will the boat not get to the right temp for the computer?

Thanks guys

I started with that same engine and always ran a thermostat. If you get mud into your cooling system you will have bigger problems than the thermostat. Oil and power steering cooler usually clog up 1st. Then your block will fill up with mud. I doubt it would ever get stuck at thermostat. Ive had troubles with sand but no experience with mud though.

buy a gps

My home lake has got mud, mud, muddy water and i have never had a problem with thermostats, even when dredging by accident !

I boat in the Ohio river (all mud). I've never had any issues.

If your pulling mud off the bottom into your engine you need to check your depth finder to make sure its working.

Loosing sea pump impellers is going to be more of an issue
than gummed up thermostats.


Yes, your ECM wont be happy either.

If you boat in the South, you are going to get mud sucked up around the landing ramps. I hear of people losing an engine due to sand clogging. I can't help but think that those losing an engine to overheating didn't already have a poor water pressure or circulation problem that prevented the sand or mud from washing through to the engine. I may be dodging the bullet with impellers and overheating becauseI get pass the landing and shallow areas on to the deeper water as quick as possible. I think you need the thermostats to help get the engine up to temp to boil/burn off in condensation or moisture in your oil. I do know it is critical to get your oil to operating temp.