On Sat, 08 Jul 2006 09:17:45 -0400, JimH wrote:

My Seloc repair manual for my 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3L with and SX outdrive
says the engine takes a 160F thermostat. That is what I installed in
spring.

The mechanic who worked on my boat after the overheating incident says it
takes a 140F thermostat and that is what he installed.

Does anyone know the correct thermostat temperature rating for this
engine?

Will running the wrong thermostat temp have a negative effect on the
engine's performance?

Your mechanic *may* be right. The following link has Volvo Penta
thermostats ranging from 130-180.

http://www.go2marine.com/category.do?no=13701&mfrno=350

However, if you go to the following site and plug in your serial number,
you should be able to find Volvo's recommendation.

http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/glob...rators_manual/