Thermostat Temp Question
08-24-2008, 06:11 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Thermostat Temp Question
Hello, I'm running a L89 BB aluminum heads with aluminum radiator and both mechanical and electric fan (only as backup), I also have a oil cooler in front of the rad. Also run VC1810 vac can on distributor connected to full time vaccum source (as most reccomend-runs 30 degrees cooler!!)
I find that on cool mornings the engine runs very cool (first mark on gauge and the oil temp does not go much past the 100 degree mark on the oil temp gauge. I am running a 160 degree thermostat.
I think the temp of the engine and especially the oil needs to be a bit hotter to avoid condensation inside the tops of the valve covers, etc.
Should I swap the 160 thermostat out for a 180 degree unit?
What do you recommend? Thanks!!
I find that on cool mornings the engine runs very cool (first mark on gauge and the oil temp does not go much past the 100 degree mark on the oil temp gauge. I am running a 160 degree thermostat.
I think the temp of the engine and especially the oil needs to be a bit hotter to avoid condensation inside the tops of the valve covers, etc.
Should I swap the 160 thermostat out for a 180 degree unit?
What do you recommend? Thanks!!
Last edited by babbah; 08-24-2008 at 06:26 PM.
08-24-2008, 06:17 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
Hello, I'm running a L89 BB aluminum heads with aluminum radiator and both mechanical and electric fan (only as backup), I also have a oil cooler in front of the rad. Also run VC1810 vac can on distributor connected to full time vaccum source (as most reccomend-runs 30 degrees cooler!!)
I find that on cool mornings the engine runs very cool (first mark on gauge and the oil temp does not go much past the 100 degree mark on the oil temp gauge. I am running a 160 degree thermostat.
I think the temp of the engine and especially the oil needs to be a bit hotter to avoid condensation inside the tops pf the valve covers, etc.
Should I swap the 160 thermostat out for a 180 degree unit?
What do you recommend? Thanks!!
I find that on cool mornings the engine runs very cool (first mark on gauge and the oil temp does not go much past the 100 degree mark on the oil temp gauge. I am running a 160 degree thermostat.
I think the temp of the engine and especially the oil needs to be a bit hotter to avoid condensation inside the tops pf the valve covers, etc.
Should I swap the 160 thermostat out for a 180 degree unit?
What do you recommend? Thanks!!
08-24-2008, 06:24 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
I'd put in a 180º t-stat.
if the cooling system is efficient enough to keep operating temps at the t-stat level than 160º is too low, it's not high enough to burn off excess vapors and that can cause sludge in the oil plus the lower temps increase cylinder bore and piston ring wear.
According to JohnZ's article, at 160º the wear is double than it is at 180º
if the cooling system is efficient enough to keep operating temps at the t-stat level than 160º is too low, it's not high enough to burn off excess vapors and that can cause sludge in the oil plus the lower temps increase cylinder bore and piston ring wear.
According to JohnZ's article, at 160º the wear is double than it is at 180º
08-24-2008, 06:39 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Thanks Guys, I did find some "white oily sludge on inner tops of the valve covers.....I'm going to install 180 thermo....The use of that VC1810 vac advance (full time vac port) really did the trick, 30 degree drop in running temp and power is unbelievable!!
08-24-2008, 08:52 PM
#5
Safety Car
I had same situation and switched from 160° to 180° just a couple of days ago. Temp now set right at 180° (both gauge & IR gun) 
Don't know if it runs any better, only drove about 50 miles (round trip) to cruise last night.
George
Don't know if it runs any better, only drove about 50 miles (round trip) to cruise last night.
George