Thermostat and gasket for pcm 454

[Ptownkid]

So i know i need a new gasket for my thermostat in the saltare, so I e-mailed skidim about it. The only stat for a 454 is a "no longer available" stat at $100? Really?

[ssa]

Skidim did have a kit from PCM that ran $130 i believe that converted your housing over to a newer style that used regular automotive thermostats but the page I book marked no longer exists. They've got one for Indmar though that does the same thing that looks like it would hook right up in place of the pcm part. Its 109 and you still have to buy the thermostat but if you need a new one it would be good to never have to worry about getting those high dollar ones again if you can find them.

[cadunkle]

Yes they can be converted, I believe the part skidim sold (maybe still sells?) to convert is just a Mercruiser 454 thermostat housing and uses a normal automotice thermostat you can get for $10 or whatever they go for these days. I recall when I got my 145* PCM 454 thermostat it was about $45 or $75, one or the other... which I thought was pricey but realized they are special so got two in case they ever stopped making them. Ebasicpower sells a 170* that looks to fit that PCM housing. If yours has failed it should work but keep in mind if you run at all in salt or brackish you need to stay 145*-ish to protect your cooling system.

http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/pc/PLERP026001/PLE3D

[haugy]

I think once it gets to be that "time" on mine, I'll just pull the T-stat.

[wotan2525]

This question has come up on here before -- I think you can use a regular 454 automotive thermostat in the stock housing. Here's my photo of my housing and I've always just gone to the auto parts store and purchased one for $10. Fits perfectly in the little "groove" in the top of the intake. A little silicone around the bolts and base of the thermostat housing and it's never leaked. Does your housing look different?

[Ptownkid]

That does look like it...do they carry the gaskets too?

[TitanTn]

I think I actually bought the last thermostat for the old housings that skidim had. They told me it was the last one (about 1.5 years ago) and that next time I'd have to get the conversion kit to use an automotive thermo.

Wotan - that's my original thermo housing also. Can you tell us a part number for the thermostat you're finding? My local auto parts store can only find parts by the cars listed in their system.

[Ptownkid]

They found more.

[wotan2525]

I think I actually bought the last thermostat for the old housings that skidim had. They told me it was the last one (about 1.5 years ago) and that next time I'd have to get the conversion kit to use an automotive thermo.

Wotan - that's my original thermo housing also. Can you tell us a part number for the thermostat you're finding? My local auto parts store can only find parts by the cars listed in their system.

I just go in and tell them it's a 1980 GMC C3500 w/ the 454. Looks like NAPA #THM 530060 for the 160 degree version. Here are the specs if someone wants to measure their existing one:

Attributes:
# of Check Valves : 0
# of Seals : 0
Depth from Flange : .91"
Design : Superstat
Flange Diameter : 2.125"
Height from Flange : .91"
Jiggle Pin : No
Temperature Range : 160 Deg

If I recall it comes with the gasket, but they also sell the gasket as part #THM 1053ST

[TitanTn]

That's great. I'm going to get one as a backup.


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