Not happy. Now what's the next thing?

[steplift20]

Ok I changed the thermostats and put in OEM. Still runs hot so next is to change the water impeller, no problem so far the problem is when I installed the 1/2 in bolt on the housing ,one is stripped, doesn't tighten. Not good. So I think I have to install a helicoil ( I think I miss spelled that) but you know what I'm talking about. Any advise on what to do? Thanks.

[spareparts]

which bolt are you talking about? The stud that has the lock nut on it to hold the front of the housing down?

[steplift20]

Yes it's the two bolts per housing,two on the left housing and two on the right housing that hold the thermostats . The right bolt on the left housing the treads ( not on the bolt ,the treads that the bolt screw into ) are stripped. But they don't have lock washers,never did . I did it, I didn't know that the housing has one side of it is thicker that the other side so when I installed the bolt it wouldn't go all the way in and I put to much pressure on the bolt. Stripping it. When I removed the housing to clean them out I must have put the left one in backwards. The only good thing is that I did it, a lesson learned. I'm tired of learning my lessons , I just want to fish. It's a 1/2 inch bolt

[spareparts]

helicoil it

And btw, when you do the water pump, pop that lower housing out and check the gasket under it, had that kick my but on my 150 merc

[steplift20]

Thanks for the advice on that.

[steplift20]

Spare, your talking about the base? I changed that 2 years ago cause I was getting water mixed with the lower unit oil and that fixed the problem. It wasn't to bad just had to lift it out it was tough but we got it.

[spareparts]

yes, the gasket under the base