I need to replace my lower radiator hose, i'm goingo flush the radiator and install a new thermostat also. What temp thermostat is best, what is stock? I have an '94 F150 with a 4.9L L6 with 160,000 mi.

 

Just get a stock replacement, I believe its 195 degrees but they will give you the correct one at the parts store. Or go to autozone.com and check to see which one you need. later

 

195 stat...

 

I would get a Motorcraft one as well. I have used aftermarket ones and they read much lower on the temperature gauge than the OEM ones do.

-Matt

 

I just installed a 195* Failsafe, and I love it.

 

It's pretty common practice with the performance crowd to use a lower t-stat. Cooler engine, cooler fuel, cooler air, more dense etc. Why not go with a 180?

 

because its not made for it? running an engine at a lower temp does not effectivly get it to running temp which can cause prblems down the line. also by fooling the computer by running a lower temp stat doesnt do anything but add a little more fuel...it thinks its in open loop which isnt good...

 

Like optikal illushun mentioned there are many reasons to use the stock thermostat, has to do with emissions, contaminates from the lower combustion chamber temp (which in effect can from some things I have read, get past your rings and contaminate your engine), to efficiency. If a vehicle could benefit from more fuel and a less efficient combustion chamber (lower temp), image how that same engine would react if you add more fuel to an efficient combustion chamber (recommended temp).

Who knows?

 

Stay with he OEM 195 deg. I had a problem with my truck running hot and a temp. fix on the road was to install a 182 deg. I fixed the problem and keep the 182 in the engine and the truck did not run well with the 182 because the temp was not high enough. After I replaced the tstat with 195 it ran fine! This was before the conversion listed in the signature!