Thermostat or temp regulator of some type maybe?

[mn9000]

I pulled this thing out of a creek, well actually I pulled it out of the middle of a large square shaped object that was burried by many years of sediment in the middle of a creek. It almost looked like an old gasoline pump. Any input is appreciated, thank you.

 

[longcut]

I'd say a heating element for an electric hot water heater...

 

[luvsdux]

Me too.
luvsdux

 

[4x4x4]

....yup.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Solved

 

[No gold in NY]

Right on!