Normal Engine Temperature

Go ahead a change the thermostat, it's not that hard. It's probably very rusty and get some blue gasket maker silicone, it helps to seal and hold pieces in place while you're reinstalling. And the impeller doesn't have to have pieces broken off to be worn out. Inspect the tips of the impeller. If you see slight flat spots on the tip of the blades it is worn.

can anyone tell me the best way to determine the reason for the overheating? whether its the thermostap or the impellar pump not working.... How difficult is it to replace either of those items myself and should I go ahead and replace both while at it? i called a couple of certified marinas and their booked till the end of september.

also, earlier in the year, i installed a flush pro kit on the water hose between the water inlet hole and the raw water filter. before installing the kit, the hose was angled up slightly into the water filter. i never cut the hose a few inches shorter and now the hose curves close to a 90 degree angle.........but there is no kinks or pinches in the hose. could this be causing the water pressure from the lake not to reach the impeller pump. does the impeller pump actually suck in the water or only operates to pump water into the block only.

You will not find any impellar pieces in or on the thermostat. If there were any pieces stuck in the thermostat it would run cooler.

I have a 98 Sport Nautique with a GT40. I have noticed that my engine temp is about 210 even after being in the water for 15 minutes. Is that normal and what temp should it be?