1998 Mercury 9.9/15HP 4-stroke outboards factory service manual, Page 199Get this manual
CYLINDER BLOCKCRANKCASE
Thermostat
1Inspect thermostat, replace if stuck or damaged
2Use Measurement Test below to measure: MEASUREMENT TEST 1Tie piece of thread (or other non-conductive material) onto the thermostat2Suspend the thermostat in water3Heat water slowly while observing the thermostatValve opening temperatureValve lift