Thermostat

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Aug 7, 2008 | 02:41 AM

CM1

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Texas

Thermostat

I have a 93 F150, 302 engine w/ auto transmission and every now and then the water will boil out through the radiator refill jug, is this maybe a sticking thermostat? it only happens every now and then, not all the time.Also is there an advantage to going to a lesser temperature T-stat, according to the parts store mine came with a 192 degree t-stat but they also have 180 degree and 160 degree alternates.
Thanks for your help

Aug 7, 2008 | 08:12 AM

Supercab

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Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 5,373

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From: Palm Bay, Florida

I had a 1994 F150 with the 5.0 as well.
At times it would run a little warmer than I liked it to, I was advised not to put a thermostat any lower than 180* in a computer controled fuel injected engine.
I removed the old t-stat then temp. reinstalled the housing, hoses, then installed a flush and fill kit in the heater line, (follow instructions here) flushed out entire cooling system very well, then install a 180* t-stat, and do yourself a favor and replace the small bypass hose while you are in there, refill system with 50/50 antifreeze and you should be OK, unless your radiator is plugged up.

Aug 7, 2008 | 01:04 PM

preppypyro

FTE Legend

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 37,887

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From: North Central Rural Sask.

For the cost of a thermostat, i would get a 180 and try it. Its a fairly cheap way to try to solve your problem.

Aug 7, 2008 | 01:30 PM

dan91ford150

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Joined: Jan 2008

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I thought we had to run a 192 thermostat with EFI?
I would of got 180 instead, because I live in Florida, is there benifits in running hotter?
I'm sure the computer would object to a 160 though, right?

Aug 7, 2008 | 07:14 PM

CM1

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Texas

What would cause the top radiator hose to completely collapse? it looked like a vacuum was being pulled on it, it happened once after I installed the new t-stat.
I took the radiator cap off and then put it back on and now everything seems to be working OK

Aug 7, 2008 | 09:24 PM

rikard

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Joined: May 2007

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From: North Reading Mass

Replace your radiator cap. The cap is supposed to hold pressure when the system is hot and allow coolant from the over flow bottle to go back in the radiator when it cools off. I like the Stant caps with the lever.
regards
rikard

Aug 8, 2008 | 03:35 AM

TexasGuy001

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Joined: Sep 2001

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If you run anything besides the 192 or 195 that came in it, you will just waste gas. I had a 180 in mine for a while, but it ran rich and actually failed smog test just becuase of the Tstat. My mpg went up a little after switching back to stock specs. I agree with rikard about the radiator cap.