Which Thermostat temperature?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Which Thermostat temperature?
Going through the engine of my 77 with 136k miles mostly to eliminate oil leaks, and some PM (like chaging Timing chain.gears). Turns out the thermostat housing has really corroded where the upper radiator hose attaches to the tune of big ***** of missing metal. So since I have to take it off anyway I am just going to change the thermostat while I am at it.
According to www.acdelco.com the correct temp is 195 degrees. However, my engine was operating at 175 degrees according to the temp guage, suggesting that maybe a 180 degree unit is in there now.
I saw someone suggest running a 160 degree but am not sure of the ramifications of that.
I live in Indiana so the annual temperatures are all over the place. Probably will be garaged most of the winter, except maybe when the streets are dry.
So what temp should I put in?
Thanks in advance.
According to www.acdelco.com the correct temp is 195 degrees. However, my engine was operating at 175 degrees according to the temp guage, suggesting that maybe a 180 degree unit is in there now.
I saw someone suggest running a 160 degree but am not sure of the ramifications of that.
I live in Indiana so the annual temperatures are all over the place. Probably will be garaged most of the winter, except maybe when the streets are dry.
So what temp should I put in?
Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
if you still have all the emiision equipment on your car like the A.I.R injectoroe tubes and AIR pump I'd stick with the factory spec 195º t-stat as that motor is SUPPOSE to run hotter to allow the emissions system to operate correctly.
If your emissions equipment has been removed than you can drop down to a 180º t-stat if you wanted or leave it at a 195º unit. Either one will be fine.
I would never run a 160º t-stat.
Remember, a t-stat will only control the minimum operating temp anyway, not how high of a temp the motor will actually get to.
If your emissions equipment has been removed than you can drop down to a 180º t-stat if you wanted or leave it at a 195º unit. Either one will be fine.
I would never run a 160º t-stat.
Remember, a t-stat will only control the minimum operating temp anyway, not how high of a temp the motor will actually get to.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
IF you have to meet emissions testing standards, and IF you can't meet the requirement with a lower temp thermostat, put the 195 deg. unit back in. Otherwise, put a 160 deg. thermo in and save the engine a bit. The system won't run much cooler with a long run, but it will take a bit longer to reach its max. temp. The thermostat is primarily in there just to heat the water quickly when you need the heater. Since you don't run it in the winter.....
