{"product_id":"mercury-thermostat-160deg-863358t","title":"Mercury – Thermostat, 160°F | Cooling System | 863358T \/ 8M0076464","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"66\"\u003eMercury – Thermostat, 160°F | Cooling System | 863358T \/ 8M0076464\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"68\" data-end=\"71\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"87\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"88\" data-end=\"600\"\u003eBig-block MerCruiser engines like the 496 Magnum, 496 HO, and the 8.1L series run hot, work hard, and rely heavily on a good thermostat to keep temperatures steady. When the thermostat starts sticking—or worse, won’t open at all—you’ll see it right away on the gauge. This 160°F thermostat is the correct replacement for those engines and brings the cooling system back to where it should be. It’s a simple part, but on these big motors, it makes a noticeable difference in how they warm up and hold temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"605\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"625\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"1048\"\u003e • \u003cstrong data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"656\"\u003e160°F Marine Thermostat\u003c\/strong\u003e – Correct heat range for 496 Magnum, 496 HO, and 8.1L engines.\u003cbr data-start=\"719\" data-end=\"722\"\u003e • \u003cstrong data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"756\"\u003eStraightforward Replacement\u003c\/strong\u003e – Swaps out easily with basic tools.\u003cbr data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"796\"\u003e • \u003cstrong data-start=\"799\" data-end=\"829\"\u003eStable Temperature Control\u003c\/strong\u003e – Helps the engine warm evenly and avoid hot spots.\u003cbr data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"884\"\u003e • \u003cstrong data-start=\"887\" data-end=\"905\"\u003eOEM-Spec Build\u003c\/strong\u003e – Designed to handle marine heat cycles and constant vibration.\u003cbr data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"972\"\u003e • \u003cstrong data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003eReliable Sealing Surface\u003c\/strong\u003e – Fits the housing the way Mercury intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1088\"\u003eEngine \u0026amp; Boat Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1227\"\u003e • MerCruiser 496 Magnum\u003cbr data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1116\"\u003e • MerCruiser 496 HO\u003cbr data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1139\"\u003e • MerCruiser 8.1L\u003cbr data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1160\"\u003e • MerCruiser 8.1L HO\u003cbr data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1184\"\u003e • Sterndrive and inboard cooling systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1272\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Practical Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1698\"\u003eA fresh thermostat helps these big engines settle into their normal temperature quickly and stay there—no wandering up and down the gauge, no sluggish warm-up, no sudden heat spikes. It also helps fuel mixture and timing behave correctly, since these systems depend on stable temperature. On older engines with hours on them, this little part often clears up rough idle or odd running quirks tied to poor temperature control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1703\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1722\"\u003eWhy Buy OEM\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"2038\"\u003eOEM thermostats are built for marine duty: heavy heat cycles, constant load, and the vibration that shakes cheaper parts apart. They open at the right temp, seal correctly, and don’t stick halfway after a season or two. With big-block MerCruisers, the thermostat isn’t where you want to gamble on an off-brand part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2040\" data-end=\"2043\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2054\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2055\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2055\" data-end=\"2102\"\u003eQ1: How do I know my thermostat is failing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2105\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2105\" data-end=\"2111\"\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Temperature creeping higher than usual, slow warm-up, inconsistent temp readings, or overheating at idle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2317\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2254\"\u003eQ2: Can I replace this at home?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2257\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2263\"\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—most boaters can handle it with basic hand tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2319\" data-end=\"2449\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2319\" data-end=\"2378\"\u003eQ3: Is 160°F the correct temperature for these engines?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2381\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2387\"\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—that’s the factory spec for the listed MerCruiser models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2576\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2491\"\u003eQ4: Should I replace the gasket too?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2491\" data-end=\"2494\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2494\" data-end=\"2500\"\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e It’s a good idea—if it’s worn or brittle, replace it while you’re in there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2726\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2625\"\u003eQ5: Will a bad thermostat hurt performance?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2625\" data-end=\"2628\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2634\"\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely. Wrong temperatures can cause rough running, poor fuel economy, and overheating.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercury","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46935774167331,"sku":"863358T","price":34.68,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/7410\/9475\/files\/PV482593_4.jpg?v=1698794943","url":"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/en-ca\/products\/mercury-thermostat-160deg-863358t","provider":"PartsVu","version":"1.0","type":"link"}