Thermostat
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
Thermostat
I currently have a 160-165 degree thermostat in my truck. I don't really run it in the winter anymore so I figured I'd put in a 160 degree (Had it in for a few years now) stat to help keep the the motor cooler during the summer. I just rebuilt the carb and am going to be adjusting everything and checking the timing. Is a 160 degree thermostat ok to run or am I better off with a a 180 degree stat?
Truck is a 74' F-100 302 2bbl stock motor with stock radiator and water pumps. Thoughts? What are you guys running in your dentsides?
Truck is a 74' F-100 302 2bbl stock motor with stock radiator and water pumps. Thoughts? What are you guys running in your dentsides?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chico, CA
You're better with a 180, as 160 is actually too cool. However, I have run a 160 before in a truck that always got too hot with the 180. It'll depend on how efficient your cooling system is, but if it's working correctly you should have the 180.
I usually run a 190 in the winter and a 180 in the summer (though I haven't swapped the 190 out this year since I got a better radiator over the winter and the temp no longer rises so much with the heat).
I usually run a 190 in the winter and a 180 in the summer (though I haven't swapped the 190 out this year since I got a better radiator over the winter and the temp no longer rises so much with the heat).
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
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From: MD
What ******** thought about putting in a cooler thermostat would be a great thing to do?
THEY DO NOT KEEP THE ENGINE'S OPERATING TEMPERATURE AT 160 OR 180! IT ONLY MEANS IT WILL OPEN AT 160 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!
Regardless of the thermostat, it will reach its opreating temperature. If you have a cooling issue, FIX IT THE RIGHT WAY!
200 too hot? WRONG! It is IDEAL!
Don't ever think a 180 is better than a 192. Who designed the engine, you or Ford? Buy a 192 and fix the cooling issue if any.
Lastly, buy a QUALITY thermostat with the extra copper pellet.
THEY DO NOT KEEP THE ENGINE'S OPERATING TEMPERATURE AT 160 OR 180! IT ONLY MEANS IT WILL OPEN AT 160 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!
Regardless of the thermostat, it will reach its opreating temperature. If you have a cooling issue, FIX IT THE RIGHT WAY!
200 too hot? WRONG! It is IDEAL!
Don't ever think a 180 is better than a 192. Who designed the engine, you or Ford? Buy a 192 and fix the cooling issue if any.
Lastly, buy a QUALITY thermostat with the extra copper pellet.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 167
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From: Gold Coast Australia
Helpful hint I learn't on this site test your new thermostat in hot water before installing, it dosn't matter what temp thermostat you have they are all useless if they don't open properly.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
I'll get a stock temp stat to put in. Thanks to those that posted info without feeling the need to rant.
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From: Albuquerque
When Ford designed the engine they didn't have to cope with todays highly volatile gasoline. Vapor lock is common on all the old carbed engines now days. They were also fighting a losing battle with early emissions equipment. Running hot is cleaner but it doesn't help performance. Running a 180 helps. Mine will eventually reach 195 or so anyway in the summer. In winter I go back to a 192
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An engine that normally runs at 200 is going to run at 200 regardless if it has a 160, 180 or 195 t-stat.
The entire cooling system was designed to operate together as a team. Now, if it's -20 degrees outside then yes a 160 stat is going to run cooler than a 195, but how often is that?
For the most part you want the engine to run at LEAST 180, 195 is perfect.
Nascar engines run 240+ degrees for 500 miles at 9500 RPM, heat can't be too bad can it? At HOTlanta the engines are pushing well above 265!
Josh
The entire cooling system was designed to operate together as a team. Now, if it's -20 degrees outside then yes a 160 stat is going to run cooler than a 195, but how often is that?
For the most part you want the engine to run at LEAST 180, 195 is perfect.
Nascar engines run 240+ degrees for 500 miles at 9500 RPM, heat can't be too bad can it? At HOTlanta the engines are pushing well above 265!
Josh
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
With the 160 degree stat my truck will still get up to about 190 degrees when running then when the trucks shut off it spikes to well over 200degrees. Stat just opens at 160. I'm trying to get my carb setup (curb idle, fast idle and etc) so I want a good starting point. thermostats are cheap and changing them it is no biggy to me. Just wanted some experienced opinions.
Has anyone noticed ethanol messing your carbs up? I can get straight gas in my area yet. Gas stations are advertising 100% gasoline to pull in customers so I can run that instead of E10.
Has anyone noticed ethanol messing your carbs up? I can get straight gas in my area yet. Gas stations are advertising 100% gasoline to pull in customers so I can run that instead of E10.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
The thermostat keeps the engine from running too cool.
That's all it's designed for, and all it can do when it's operating and opening correctly. Use the correct temperature.
If you are having a cooling problem, then most likely it's your radiator in need of service, or the system needs cleaning, and coolant flush etc... or in some situations too small of a radiator. The Standard radiator on some Fords were too small from the factory. Yes a thermostat can cause the engine to run hot, but in this situation, it's defective.
Check the Radiator cap as well. Often overlooked component. If the cap gasket is cracked, or the pressure isn't to speck, replace it.
That's all it's designed for, and all it can do when it's operating and opening correctly. Use the correct temperature.
If you are having a cooling problem, then most likely it's your radiator in need of service, or the system needs cleaning, and coolant flush etc... or in some situations too small of a radiator. The Standard radiator on some Fords were too small from the factory. Yes a thermostat can cause the engine to run hot, but in this situation, it's defective.
Check the Radiator cap as well. Often overlooked component. If the cap gasket is cracked, or the pressure isn't to speck, replace it.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Southern Oregon Coast
They run ethanol around here. It used to be just in the winter months - what they called "oxygenated fuel", but they've started running it in the summer months recently...
I haven't noticed any carb issues (that I know of) but it does have a tendency to destroy rubber fuel lines - dries them up or something and they start cracking and leaking in no time... That's the main reason why the fuel line running from my fuel pump to the carb is all steel tubing - I haven't quite figured out how to remove all the rubber tubing from the equation down below where the filter is... I'm also running Lucas Fuel Treatment which I'm hoping will help with the ethanol somewhat...
I haven't noticed any carb issues (that I know of) but it does have a tendency to destroy rubber fuel lines - dries them up or something and they start cracking and leaking in no time... That's the main reason why the fuel line running from my fuel pump to the carb is all steel tubing - I haven't quite figured out how to remove all the rubber tubing from the equation down below where the filter is... I'm also running Lucas Fuel Treatment which I'm hoping will help with the ethanol somewhat...
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24
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From: Louisville
i would not go cooler than a 180 thermostat. If your engine will not operate at the thermostat temp, than something is wrong with your cooling system. I was recently having a problem with my temp running up to 220. I replaced my clutch fan and it will now keep 180 all day long with the air conditioning on. I can now hear the roar of the air from the clutch fan spinning the fan faster than it used to. I could not hear the fan roar with the old clutch fan.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
They run ethanol around here. It used to be just in the winter months - what they called "oxygenated fuel", but they've started running it in the summer months recently...
I haven't noticed any carb issues (that I know of) but it does have a tendency to destroy rubber fuel lines - dries them up or something and they start cracking and leaking in no time... That's the main reason why the fuel line running from my fuel pump to the carb is all steel tubing - I haven't quite figured out how to remove all the rubber tubing from the equation down below where the filter is... I'm also running Lucas Fuel Treatment which I'm hoping will help with the ethanol somewhat...
I haven't noticed any carb issues (that I know of) but it does have a tendency to destroy rubber fuel lines - dries them up or something and they start cracking and leaking in no time... That's the main reason why the fuel line running from my fuel pump to the carb is all steel tubing - I haven't quite figured out how to remove all the rubber tubing from the equation down below where the filter is... I'm also running Lucas Fuel Treatment which I'm hoping will help with the ethanol somewhat...
Gasohol
Gasohol a mixture of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (Grain Alcohol), is avaliable in some areas. Gasohol, if used, should contain no more than 10% ethanol and have at least the same octane rating stated for unleaded gasoline. (87 octane is minimum recomended). If Driveability problems occur because of the use of gasohol, you should go back to using unleaded or regular gasoline.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
I pulled my thermostat today and it turns out I have a 180 degree stat in there already. I already got a 195 degree stat and an gasket so I'll use the 195. Just got to get a new little 90degree water pump hose.