[stripminer]

joe,

*You think maybe my drilling out the thermostat went into the block ?? that would certainly send water from the jacket into the head ..... oh brother. I am screwed........

It makes perfect sense. Engine starts on first turn of the key. No seawater is in the water jacket because the engine is cool. As she heats up water is sucking into the head, causing her to stall. I think you gentlemen hit the nail on the head.

Is it fixable,, that is the question...... Or do I simply ( like I have a money tree in the backyard ) buy a new engine?