Thermostat 160 v 190, water neck leak, what thermostat to get

Discussion in 'Technical' started by gdemopesq, Mar 1, 2009.

  1. gdemopesq

    gdemopesq MOTOR CITY MAV

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    I thought I would get the Mav on the road after putting in an electric water pump, rebuilt tranny, electric fan and trans cooler. No such luck. I got a nasty leak at the water neck/thermo housing. I think the cause is the thermostat. It is not perfectly flat.

    Just to make sure I am going to get a new neck and gasket.

    HERE IS MY QUESTION:

    I dont really care about having super hot heat in the winter as I dont drive it much in the winter. Should I get like a 160 degree vs 190 degree. Does that mean it opens at 160 and may keep the water cooler by circulating it more at a lower temp. Am I all wet? It is for street/strip use.

    Thanks in advance
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2009
    gdemopesq, Mar 1, 2009
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  2. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    there are many factors that determine what t-stat to go with. its best to get the hotest one the will keep the motor below 205 to 210 in the worse heat you will experience. combustian chamber efficency is beter when hot. theres a point when it gets to hot. modern motor are ran around 210 to 215 for emmissions reasons. if you need a starting place id go with a 190 first. a t-stat that is to cold will be open all the time and some times the motor will run hot be cause the cooant doesnt have time to stop and absorb and disapate the heat
     
    Bryant, Mar 1, 2009
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  3. darren

    darren Member

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    Also engine wear at 160 is greatly accelerated compared to 200. If the system is up to snuff a 195 is as low as you need to go. An engine shouldnt really operate below 190 for wear reasons.
     
    darren, Mar 1, 2009
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  4. Maverick73

    Maverick73 Senior Member

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    I'm running a 160. A must have here in Florida.
     
    Maverick73, Mar 2, 2009
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  5. PaulS

    PaulS Member extrordiare

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    180 to 195 is best for most applications but like most things on an engine there is a "fudge factor" in getting one that works best for your individual needs. A 180 degree thermostat will come close to meeting any adverse cooling problems and the cylinder head temp will stay at around 190F. If you have a radiator that is small for your application then going to a slightly cooler thermostat will lower, only slightly, the cylinder head temps. Under load the head temp will rise with a small radiator but will cool off when the power is removed.
     
    PaulS, Mar 2, 2009
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