Yes you can re-use it but its suggested to replace the thermostat every flush this way you don’t have thermostat issues…

Does MerCruiser have a thermostat?

The thermostat in your MerCruiser Alpha monitors the temperature of the engine. If the engine temperature is too hot, the thermostat opens to allow more water into the engine. If the engine is too cold, the thermostat closes so that the water cannot enter the engine to cool it.

How do you stop a thermostat housing leak?

1 Answer

  1. Drain your coolant system.
  2. Remove the two clamps from the hoses on the housing.
  3. Remove the two hoses from the housing.
  4. Remove the two bolts holding the housing.
  5. Remove the housing.
  6. Remove the thermostat.
  7. Clean the housing and the head at the mating surface.
  8. Install a new thermostat (see note below).

Do I need a gasket for my thermostat?

Since the thermostat in your car has a regular gasket, you can use RTV or not, at your pleasure. If you’ve had seepage issues in the past, it’s almost a given you’d use it. Even if you haven’t, it’s not going to hurt anything to use it now. If you do use it, only put a thin coat on it, covering both sides evenly.

Do you have to change thermostat when changing radiator?

The thermostat can, and should, be replaced when performing other cooling system service work, such as replacing the water pump or radiator hoses, or flushing the coolant.

Why does my MerCruiser overheating?

Newer boats have a warning siren that alerts the pilot that water is not being pumped up from the lower unit. If the overheat condition only exists when the boat is run at high speeds, the cause may be clogged exhaust manifolds or risers. The Mercruiser has inspection ports on the font of the exhaust manifolds.

Why would my thermostat housing be leaking?

While these materials are designed to last for a long time, exposure to extreme temperatures and movement in the coolant rubber hose may cause your thermostat to eventually spring a leak. Coolant will also leak out of the system once the housing is cracked, warped, or damaged in any way.

How do I know if my thermostat housing is bad?

Signs of a Bad Thermostat Housing

  1. High Reading on the Temperature Gauge. The temperature housing is responsible for opening and closing at the correct times to regulate the flow of coolant.
  2. Coolant Leaking.
  3. Erratic Temperature Readings.
  4. Overheating Engine.
  5. Improper Coolant Flow.
  6. Cold Coolant Hoses.

Can you drive with leaking thermostat housing?

It is possible to drive with a leaking thermostat housing, but it is strongly advised that you avoid doing so. This because the more you drive your Porsche without the proper mechanisms to protect your engine from excessive heat, it will ultimately lead to potentially irreversible damage to your engine.