Thermostat/Cooling question

[BeasleyRB]

Is it correct that a 190 degree thermostat might allow an engine to run cooler than a 180 degree? The reason given was the 190 keeps the water in the radiator longer and more heat is carried out of the water while in the radiator than being sent back through the engine. In the summer heat my engine runs about 200 so obviously the thermostat is open all the time. In the winter or fall it runs closer to 190 if you don't sit at stop lights too much.

I have a 351W and the stock 4 core radiator B&B sells (not aluminum) and a 180 thermostat. I don't have any severe heating problems but the car would not like being in a parade if you know what I mean.

Thanks, Bob

[mr0077]

No. The T-stat only sets the minimum temperature for the motor...a (properly operating) 180 T-stat would require the coolant to be at least 180 before it opened, and a with 190 the coolant would have to be 190, etc.

[Power Surge]

To add to what Ken said... that's just your opening/closing temperature. If you've got other cooling issues, the motor is going to get just as hot once the thermostat is opened. The thermostat sets the MINIMUM temp the motor can be when at operating temperature.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Power Surge

To add to what Ken said... that's just your opening/closing temperature. If you've got other cooling issues, the motor is going to get just as hot once the thermostat is opened. The thermostat sets the MINIMUM temp the motor can be when at operating temperature.

Right. With all my cooling problems mostly solved I'm running at about 78*C most of the time (occasional drifts up to 90*C for a few minutes).

160*F = 71*C
172*F = 78*C
180*F = 82*C

What is the ideal operating temp of the 351W? Should I put a higher thermo in?

My wife's Jeep (with the 4.7LV8) has a static operating temp of about 200*F - it's the only vehicle I own (besides the Cobra) without idiot gauges.

[bmeyer29]

Bob B.

It is nice to hear from you!

...but the car would not like being in a parade if you know what I mean.

Does that mean you *were* considering driving in a parade? If you were still here in Okla, you probably get "Miss Chick" to ride with you on Rooster day!

(Just don't let her lay an egg on your trunk lid. It would fry in about 30 seconds in this heat!)