From what I know about thermostats, the correct thermostat depends on the altitude, winter temps, summer temps, and most important, truck usage. When i was removing the heads to get the sheered exhaust bolts, i noticed the truck did not have a thermostat. I guess that explains the lack of heat this winter. What temp thermostat do you recommend? I'm running a stock 360, my elevation is 3000 ft, winter temps are around 20s, and the summer is up to 115. This truck will be used pretty much as sunday driver.

 

I had a 360 in a 73 that I ran a 160 in when I was in Utah. That’s just what it had in it when I replaced it, I don’t know how to determine what best temp is. There are a lot of smart folks here that will give you all the info you will need. Where in Idaho does it get to 115?

 

Boise. We had two weeks of temps over 110 in 2006. only a couple days last year.

 

Here Idaho I run 160 temp. I have one in my 70 F100 "302" and 67 mustang "289" and they both work good for me. I also had the same in a 351M

 

A 180º or 195º would be proper, along with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. I believe 180º is what came from the factory. Bill will know for sure.



John

 

John are you saying a 160 and a12 pack beer carton in front of the radiator was not standard equipment

 

I run a 180 here in Central Oregon, I'm at 3000 feet also and it has worked good.

 

Chad, That is not my recollection, from when they were new.


John

 

Napa told me 195 was stock, thats what I'm running and it seems to run better than when I had a 160 in there

 

i run a 205 in the winter which really bakes your butt! and a 175 in the summertime. i have a little assortment of thermostats. at 180 degrees the motor seems to perform the best. and yes i think that is what comes in them stock.

 

I do not believe altitude and temps have anything to do with it. The tstat controls the temp that your engine runs at and I think 192 is stock. When you get a replacement you get a 195. The 360 in my truck had a 160 in it when I bought it and it didn't run real well. I put in a 195 and it runs great now once it's warmed up.

 

I also had a 180 in it and just replaced with a 195 from NAPA which is what is called for. I noticed an improvement with the general run of the motor. My understanding is that Fords like to run a little warmer to get the most out of them. I can tell you it runs better after warm up.