Thermostat for best heater performance

[jimmylee1000]

I just installed a heater in my 1993 Ski Nautique with the Ford 351 PCM engine. It blows warm air, but not REAL warm. I have the 143F thermostat, and am planning a change to the 160F thermostat:

http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RP026002

Think it'll help? Anyone ever use the 170F thremostat: http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RP026001

Just wondering how to get the most toasty heat. I already installed the "Y" venturi pipe at the raw water pump inlet. My wife needs some more heat. Yuk yuk yuk.

[pdxCC]

If you check the threads carefully I belive the best place to pull the heater source is off the intake manifold. If I remember your pics you took it off the block which is where I am planning to pull my source from.

I did have the 163 thermostat in my 93 for a day or two last season but I swapped back to the 143 just to be safe. From the conversations on here I think you are fine with either.

[jimmylee1000]

I just installed a heater in my 1993 Ski Nautique with the Ford 351 PCM engine. It blows warm air, but not REAL warm. I have the 143F thermostat, and am planning a change to the 160F thermostat:

http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RP026002

Think it'll help? Anyone ever use the 170F thremostat: http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RP026001

Just wondering how to get the most toasty heat. I already installed the "Y" venturi pipe at the raw water pump inlet. My wife needs some more heat. Yuk yuk yuk.

I believe the 163F thermostat is preferred for engine performance these days. Has anyone ever used the 170F thermostat?

[ClemsonDave]

I'd check with the dealer, but I don't see where 10* would make a difference. Engines are not very efficient when they are too cold. My truck motor has a 190ish thermostat. Pretty sure my corvette does too.

[WakeSlayer]

The general rule of thumb is carbed boat = 143*, EFI = 160*. Pull the hot water feed off your intake, and the return to the circulating pump.