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Old May 20, 2004 | 08:05 PM
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thermostat

what temp rating should i use in a 1975 ford f 150 with a 390
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 08:10 PM
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Most people recommend running a 195 to help the fuel economy.
I run a 195 in mine, works great as long as the rest of the system is in good shape and has a 50/50 mix of coolant. No troubles overheating or anything.
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 08:13 PM
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I concur, 195 is what I use
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 08:16 PM
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how much does it really help fuel mileage i was running a 160 in the engine
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 08:25 PM
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Don't ever go less than 180* in a Ford Engine unless the specs say so.

This thread will be moved to the cooling system or 390 forum.
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 09:40 PM
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I went from a 195 to a 180 in my '78 F-250 with a 300cid. I went from 14.5-15 mpg to 13-13.5 mpg. I have already purchased another 195 and will probably put it in tomorrow.
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 11:08 PM
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i think most FE's came stock with a 160, id reccomend a 195, i got mine through jegs for $8.99, but most part stores should have one in stock, i dont know how much it helps gas mileage, but with gas at $2.00, i do all i can to get the best out of it.
 
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Old May 20, 2004 | 11:09 PM
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The higher the temp the better the gas mileage. That is why automakers keep pushing it higher. Anything under 180 and you damage your engine. Engine wear rates double for every 10F lower than 180. So a 160 stat will wear your engine 4 miles for every mile you drive. Computerized engine controls, better cooling system design, and higher engine temps are part of the reason we are seeing longer engine life in the newer vehicles. My 390 had a 180F stat.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 02:37 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by fordman428
i think most FE's came stock with a 160, id reccomend a 195, i got mine through jegs for $8.99, but most part stores should have one in stock, i dont know how much it helps gas mileage, but with gas at $2.00, i do all i can to get the best out of it.
YO i just filled one of my gas tanks today, Reguler gas here in good old Calif. is at,this is reg. $ 2.28 per gal. it cost me around $$82.85 , and that " SUCKs "oh in my mod. 390 i run a 195 stat. engine temp. is normaly at 190 degrees by my S/W guage.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 01:19 PM
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i feel your pain i live in brentwood and it is 2.59 a gal and 289 for premium
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 02:04 PM
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Tell me about it! I just filled up both tanks @ $2.45 for midgrade Chevron down here in Orange County, just over $100 bucks!!
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 04:31 PM
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This gas $$ sucks ,i"m going on Vac.5/24/05 up to the lake, it"ll cast my over 250.00 for gas alone.
 
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