Which thermostat?
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 44
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From: Vashon Island
Which thermostat?
I'm running a .030 over 1972 360 in my 67 F250, I have a 160 degree thermostat in it and it never even makes it up into the normal or "white zone" on the temp gauge. Should I be running a 170 or 180 in it?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Factory gauges are notoriously inaccurate. If it truck isn't overheating, then stick with what ya got.
But accurate information is worth its weight so think about installing a real set of gauges (Autometer, VDO, etc.). Re-evaluate after.
But accurate information is worth its weight so think about installing a real set of gauges (Autometer, VDO, etc.). Re-evaluate after.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
180º is what came from the factory. I think there is some misconception about thermostats, the temp is where they open not what the running temp is. If it opens at 180º and the system is clogged or dirty it is not going to keep it from getting hotter and boiling over.
John
John
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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I agree that it may just be the gauge or sending unit. My engine had a 195 degree stat in it. After I rebuilt the engine it would read near the high end of the Normal range with that stat. I changed to a 160 degree stat and the gauge would run just below the middle with the 160.
My engine actually was quite hot with the 195, but not overheating.
My engine actually was quite hot with the 195, but not overheating.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
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From: Big Sky Country
160 is a tad bit low for a street driven motor....oil temps generally run 30 degrees higher than coolant temps, and you want oil temps to reach a minimum of 212 to boil of contaminants....a 160 degree stat won't quite get you there.....sludge build-up will proceed....
180 degree T-stat minimum is my recommendation, it's a nice compromise between the factory 195 and the rodders 160.
180 degree T-stat minimum is my recommendation, it's a nice compromise between the factory 195 and the rodders 160.
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 250
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From: Raleigh, NC
185 is the sweet spot IMO. Running temp will never get to 200 with a properly-operating coolant system but it will remain hot enough for oil to keep temp and combustion temperatures to remain efficient.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Phoenix, Az.
180º is what came from the factory. I think there is some misconception about thermostats, the temp is where they open not what the running temp is. If it opens at 180º and the system is clogged or dirty it is not going to keep it from getting hotter and boiling over.
John
John
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
Jowilker is correct. The rating of a thermostat; 160, 180, 195, etc., is the cracking temperature --the temperature the thermostat begins to 'crack' open (within plus or minus 3-degrees).
It will take another 15 to 20 degrees, above its rating, before the thermostat will be fully open.
It will take another 15 to 20 degrees, above its rating, before the thermostat will be fully open.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 46
From: Vancouver
I installed a 195* just to test the heater core. I get great heat now, so no need to install the "new" Chinese core. I got the same results as FECruzer69, which I think are not dangerous, but do give me some concern.
Eric
Eric
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
160 is a tad bit low for a street driven motor....oil temps generally run 30 degrees higher than coolant temps, and you want oil temps to reach a minimum of 212 to boil of contaminants....a 160 degree stat won't quite get you there.....sludge build-up will proceed....
180 degree T-stat minimum is my recommendation, it's a nice compromise between the factory 195 and the rodders 160.
180 degree T-stat minimum is my recommendation, it's a nice compromise between the factory 195 and the rodders 160.
Orich
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