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Quick rundown... my ECTs have been sitting at 180 for the past couple of weeks, even when towing. Our NC temps have been cooler but not cold (50's and 60's). The EOTs stay in the 9-12 degree range (deltas), and when they do go up so do the ECTs. They are staying around 190 +/- on the highway. I know this indicates that my thermostat is probably open (just replaced it in March!).
Here's my dillema: I am moving to KS and leaving Thursday morning. I don't really have the time to change a thermostat and get everything ready for the move. I will be pulling about a trailer that fully loaded will be around 12k lbs. The trip is 900 miles, give or take.
The question: should I be ok to wait until KS to change the t-stat, or do I need to fit it in before I go?
Thanks in advance for all the excellent advice!!!
David
PS... and yes, if I had more time I'd do a bunch of reading and try to come up with the answer as I'm sure it is somewhere on the forum... but my wife will kill me if I spend anymore time than necessary in front of the computer b/c, and I quote, "the truck won't load itself"! lol
The thermostat is more open than normal, so more coolant is being sent to the radiator and the engine is running a bit cooler than normal. Under load the thermostat will open more so pulling the trailer should not be a problem. The thermostat isn't fully open until around 220 degrees.
You'll be OK for your trip. Biggest downside at low 180's will possibly be a little less mpg's. I'd do it in Ks. if it were me just to put less pressure on the move.
Thanks guys for the replies/info! I was really hoping that would be the case and I could wait until KS. Glad to have a few other opinions to help the decision making process easier
Slide a piece of cardboard down in front of the radiator. Behind the AC condenser. There is a soft rubber flap with push buttons holding it down and the Battery cable on top, lift the flap and move the cable slightly and you can get a large piece of cardboard in there. Make sure its tall enough it doesnt fall down where you cant retrieve it for removal. I do this every winter and I see a rise in ECTs by about 10*.
Josh, You must either be single or never made a major long distance move with a wife?
I hear ya! When I casually mentioned to the wife that I may have to change the thermostat I got the look of death As it is we leave on Thursday and the U-haul is only 1/2 packed, not to mention the horse trailer. At least in KS I'll have a heated garage
The cardboard trick will work, just may have to adjust it's size if you run hot.
Good luck on your trip!
Yes I should have mentioned this. If its a warmish day when you leave it may only need half the radiator blocked. Start big and trim down to meet your needs.