Have heard of others increasing the operating temperature (higher thermostat) on their 300 engines to help efficiency/smooth running and better mpg. I can't seem to find the thread again. Wanted to know what temp most of you run your 300 as SAFE and optimum?

Looking to get a real gauge but my idiot gauge always runs in the "O" of "Normal" and never seems to get hot. I am not sure of the thermostat rating as I have never had it open but presume it to be stock. I would like to increase it to see the results of efficiency without sacrificing reliability from too much heat as I have heard of 300 heads liking to crack.

For reference I have a 94 EFI with 5speed and a new radiator that was installed before I got the truck and like I said never gets hot but seems to blow good heat from heater and will cook you out but not as hot as some other vehicles.

Please let me know what thermostats you use or if any of you have bumped up the temp and noticed a improvement? I think I remember reading 205 degrees (not sure) is the best but want to make sure. I believe I have a good cooling system to handle higher temps but of course would not want to push it.

What temp does the 300 like best?

Has anyone tried the evanscooling liquid which they claim will allow you to run hotter safely without boiling?

Thanks for any input.

 

The factory idiot gauge is not definitive. Thermostats from 160* to 205* are available. There is no single universal temp that a 300 or any other engines likes...there are a lot of variables and each engine is different. Overheating is hard on any engine and not just the 300.

 

I don't like running anything less than 195 degrees and I am in the hot south.
The thermostat controls the "minimum" operating temp, not the upper limit.
Engines seem to thrive with temps between 190 and 220. Above this and some oils begin to breakdown. Below 195 coolant temp, engines tend to retain moisture, forming sludge and engine wear increases dramatically especially in the front cylinder that runs the coolest. There have been some good engineering studies on this subject.

 

like everyone else said, there is a broad temp. assortment for the t-stats on this truck. the stock is 193 deg. when i replace my t-stat housing gasket it did it too, and unless you go through ford, everyone says 195 is the factory standard. just use the stock temp setting and forget about it.

 

I use a 195 in my 85 with a carb. My old 96 with EFI had a 205. I have never had any probloms with over heating my 300s. Down south where it is hotter I would use a 180.