Engine isn't heating up...

[Polock]

All weekend the bu ran great, then this morning during the 3rd pull on our first set I noticed that it was slow getting out of the hole and a good amount of black smoke came out of the exhaust. Once we got on plane it was fine and I checked all of the gauges and the temp was only at 100 degrees. We stopped to check everything out and all the fluids were fine so we went back to the dock. Everything looked good and when we started it up it was at 120 and then dropped back to around 90 or 100 degrees. We went back out to see if it would do it a again and it did. Its almost like it is slipping getting out of the hole, and then once the engine gets to about 2600 RPM it catches and comes up on plane. I have no idea what is going on... This is the first weekend out this year, the gas has been sitting in there since December. I was thinking maybe a clogged fuel filter or bad gas but I'm not sure that would make it run so cold and smoke like that. Anyone have any ideas???

[Ronnie]

Thermostat stuck open....after it sat the temp absorbed the eng block heat to raise the temp. Sounds like your running lake water straight through it.

[Polock]

Can anyone point me to where the Thermostat is on the block. I know on my truck it was on the front.... which means this is probably as much fun as an impeller!!!

Do I need a certain Thermostat or will Napa have what I need?

Thanks

[WakeGirl]

You need a thermostat from the dealer, the stats at auto parts stores are different - more restrictive. The housing is above the pullies near the top on the front of the engine.