Replaced my stat but ??
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Replaced my stat but ??
So I was in there today on my 74 l82 replacing gaskets on my new water pump with some rtv gasket maker replaced my pulleys to alluminum. Then replaced my stat with the stant 180. When I took the old one out I was surprised it was a 160 stat. Is this normal to run a 160 stat. I thought the original was 190 and I was doing a good thing by going to a 180.
What temperature stats do you guys have
What temperature stats do you guys have
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i run 160. others will tell you "the factory ran a 190" or other such stuff. few really remember just how "well" these cars ran when new. running a cooler thermostat will cause absolutely no problem, and if you have an automatic transmission it will help that out too.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
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I always thought these engines had to run at a certain temperature. 160 seemed a bit low but what do I know. My 04 Landrover which these truck are natorious for overheating had a 190 stat which would run in the 205 to 215
Put in a 180 stat now it runs 194 to 200 all the time
Put in a 180 stat now it runs 194 to 200 all the time
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I use a Stant 180* like the one you bought. I remember drilling a couple holes in it, not sure if it matters much.
The gauge on my 74 reads 180 at operating temperature. I have also used a laser thermometer to take readings at the tstat housing and at the radiator intake and its within a couple of degrees of 180.
Do you have access too a IR/laser that you could verify your operating temp against your gauge?
The gauge on my 74 reads 180 at operating temperature. I have also used a laser thermometer to take readings at the tstat housing and at the radiator intake and its within a couple of degrees of 180.
Do you have access too a IR/laser that you could verify your operating temp against your gauge?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Back in the days before emissions controls, let's say prior to 1968, when the factory had no concern for emissions, and would select a stat temperature purely for best running, engine life etc. type reasons, what temperature did they select? I think it was 180.
Last edited by BKbroiler; Jun 2, 2013 at 02:58 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
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From: Hinckley OH
The 160, 180 or 190 is the temperature at which the thermostat opens. If you're running at 200 then that is the capability of your system with the thermostat open. The only difference should be that it will get to 180 a bit faster with the 180 t-stat than with the 160 t-stat.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If your engine is computer controlled, it may need to have a 195 degree stat in it. The ECM's tend to NEED an operating temp of over 190F for it to switch to normal operating mode. Otherwise, they just operate to a 'default' program routine.
If you don't have an ECM controlling the engine, you can install any stat you want. It just depends on what minimum operating temp you want for the engine and how fast you want it to warm up. The Chevy engineers wanted the V8 engines to run at 180F (before the initiation of EPA regulations).
If you don't have an ECM controlling the engine, you can install any stat you want. It just depends on what minimum operating temp you want for the engine and how fast you want it to warm up. The Chevy engineers wanted the V8 engines to run at 180F (before the initiation of EPA regulations).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
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From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
it isn't so much the computer controlled cars " need" 195 degrees, it is what the manufacturers want to keep their emissions target. every new car i have had since 1984 very quickly got 160 degree thermostats in them , all went over 300k miles and never burned a drop of oil. the transmissions never had an issue either. i say it is all