185* thermostat?

hav24wheel · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:01 PM

I'm new to the EFI world. I was wondering, if I where to put a 185* thermostat in my 94 F150 with a 302, would it be too cold for it to run how it should? Would the computer think its not warmed up all the way?

quicklook2 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:10 PM

195 is what should be in there.

you are correct in your assumptions.

hav24wheel · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:14 PM

Crap. I was hopping to be able to put a 185 in there. I like my motors to run around there, but if it won't work, than I guess a 195 is what I'll have to stick with. Thanks

mikehawk · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:22 PM

I've heard that 180 t-stat is hot enough to get the computer into closed loop. I ran a 180 for a while without any problems, it was a huge improvement over no t-stat.

hav24wheel · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:28 PM

Hmmm. Now I'll hav to wait n hear from more people.

9.ford.5 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:36 PM

i dont see why theyd make em if they caused problems but im not totally savvy on the computers yet so im not sure how that would react but the truck should run fine...worst thats gonna happen is the computer will stay in open loop...

if you run a 195 the heater works better LOL

on this subject at about what temp do these things over heat? 230*?

EPNCSU2006 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:51 AM

I ran a 180° thermostat for years before switching to a 192°. I noticed no difference in fuel mileage between the two. The computer will enter closed loop starting around 170 degrees, so I don' think you will have to worry about that.

TexasGuy001 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:14 AM

I ran a 180 for a short time and my fuel economy was worse. It also caused my truck to fail the sniffer test. I put a 195 stat back in and have passed sniffer for the last 4 years.

hav24wheel · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:41 AM

Well we don't have the sniffer tests here in ND. So I'm not worried bout that. The best milage I've got so far is 13.5 mpg. But I've only had it a couple weeks. I put 3 inch exhaust on it, n I'm doing a major tuneup to it soon. So I'm hoppin the mpg goes up.....

TexasGuy001 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:10 PM

My point was that if it failed sniffer test then it obviously wasn't running the best with the 180 T stat. With the 195 stat, my truck averages 16-17 mpg city/highway mix.

darthice · #11 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:14 PM

hummm well i may put a new thermostat in my truck because my heat doesnt get hot and my engine never gets over the N on the stock temp gauge.

andym · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:38 PM

195 is what Ford put in these engines from the factory, and I don't see any reason to change that. If someone with an automotive engineering degree can make a good argument why I shouldn't use a 195 I might be convinced.

DLP Performance · #13 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 09:10 PM

A 180 should be ok according to the manual. In the southern states where temps are hotter, it makes sense so as not to overheat. But if you're in North Dakota, I don't see any reason to change. In the cooler climate, you could very well end up w/ a rich condition & there goes your fuel mileage & performance. I think you should keep the 195 in it.