2003 Johnson ST 55 HP WRL 2 Stroke Commercial Service Manual, PN 5005483, Page 143Get this manual
POWERHEAD ASSEMBLY Starting at the center and expanding outward, torque all screws in stages 60 to 84 inIbs(7 to 9.5 Nm)Install the thermostat assembly into the cylinder head with the pin end of thermostat facing out
Exhaust cover
Assemble the thermostat, inserting pin into vernatherm with convex end of pin facing out
Lightly coat both sides of new thermostat cover gasket with Gasket Sealing CompoundPosition the relief spring in cover