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<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_start --><!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_start -->I am replacing my radiator and decided to replace the thermostat while I am at it.

I have a 1988 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD V6, 2.9 L, automatic with AC.


carpartsfast.com lists three different temps: about 160 F, 180 F and 192 F

my owners' guide gives no indication of which to use. I haven't removed it yet because I am on a US Army Base in Seoul, S. Korea and want all the parts here before I tear into things

I decided to order the middle temp

good call? How critical if I put the wrong one in? What to watch for?

 

I just replaced my thermostat last year and I went with the motorcraft 190F, since ford recommends motorcraft. I think with the 180F, it just opens up a little quicker to let the anti-freeze through to the radiator. Ford seems to recommend 190. You want to make sure that it has a little breather hole in the top too. Some are made without it.

 

thanks for the reply

I can't imagine any harm that can be caused by me using the lower temp thermostat. Can you?

Seems it would just be inclined to run a little cooler, and I would think in general that is a good thing for an older vehicle.

 

I put 87 dgr C thermostan in my aero 3.0. Never overheats when it is hot, but when it is cold outdoors I have insufficient heater effectivity.... really cold inside first 3-5 miles.

 

if you run to cold of a Thermostat the EFI/CPU wont go in to closed loop.

open loop = choke on

closed loop ,choke off

I forget the spec of the T stat,but I think its one 190oF

 

yeah, 190F.....

 

appreciate the feed back I have gotten

Slightly different verson of my original question:

where do I find definitively the correct thermostat to use for my 1988 V6 2.9 Liter automatic 4WD Ranger XLT with AC? My Owner's guide does not say or at least I can't find it in there

where do I get an authoritative answer
online of course
because I am on a US Army base in Seoul S Korea

 

well, just look for 190 dgr F thermostat for 2.9 Cologne.... Ouh, well, look for 87-92 dgr C thermostat. They make them in Korea for GM cars.

You can use BEHR 113087.3, [5750.88] VERNET and other...

well


Get measure caliper (I think it is not a problem to convert mm~inch) and look for 87-92 dgr C thermostat in any shop. I belive they speak english there

 

Ouh, try to ask 1988-96 Ford Scorpio 2.9 V6 (not cossworth) thermostat. Ford sold them in asia last century....

 

Really appreciate the schematic.

Can you point me to a reference that says to use the 192 Fahrenheit versus the 180 fahr?
Or can you tell me what it is that makes you feel so certain as you obviously are.........

 

From what I understand, the high temp thermosate is part of the emissions equipment. I don't know if that started with BOD 1, or OBD II, or how far back it goes.

 

Welcome to FTE.

The guys are right, Ford specifies a RT-1161, 190F thermostat & a RG-558 gasket for your engine.
You can verify the part numbers & specs here http://www.motorcraft.com/catalogue.do?goto=fullline

Our emissions, lubricating systems & engine oil are designed to do their thing at 190F!!!!!

Be sure the thermostat you use has ALL of the Ford design features.

It's designed to fail in the open position, to prevent overheating & we all know the 3.0l's heads like to warp if overheated.
The Ford thermostat also has a handy "air bleed valve" that helps burp air upon refilling the cooling system.

Elevate the front end, disconnect the heater return line at the fire wall, until coolant appears when refilling. Then reattach the heater return line & finish filling the system, including the overflow tank.

Milk the upper & lower radiator hoses until the radiator level doesn't drop anymore, then replace radator cap, start & run the engine with the heater control in the max heat position, until the engine is fully warmed up, all with the front end still in the raised position, then let it completely cool in the raised position, then check the overflow tank level, to see if it's dropped after cooling.

If so, the system has burped air, so top it off & continue to park with the front end uphill & check it daily until the level doesn't drop anymore!!!!!

A whole bunch of thoughts for pondering.

I just did all your doing + all new OEM radiator, heater hoses, waterpump, radiator cap, to complete a full cooling system rework on my one owner 94 Taurus 3.8L, so have fun!!!! lol

BTW, Thank you and your buddies for your service!!!!

 

use 190 dgr F thermostat ore 87-93 dgr C. they wor fine! I have BEHR thermostat in my aero 3.0

 

Yes, thanks for a job well done and service to your country. We apperciate all that you do!!!!