160 or 180 T/Stat

[byersmtrco]

What are you folks running in yours? I'm actually thinking of going back to a 160 deg stat. It stays at 180 now, but I'm just wondering what everyone else is doing.

Thanks
John

[Alexander]

RE: 160 or 180 T/Stat

I had replaced my 180 with a 160 years ago, hoping the car would run cooler. It is pointless, as 160 is just the temperature the thermostat opens. the temperature the car runs at is much higher.

If our cars are run extensively in the winter, which I doubt they are anymore, a 160 degree thermostat would not allow the car to warm up to operating temperature, which would result in poor gas mil age.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[JohnG]

RE: 160 or 180 T/Stat

I would agree with Alexander that it is mostly pointless. Personally I would go with a 160 out of a sense of caution, but that is about my only reason.

After thinking about this alot a year ago when I was trying to get my cooling system in good shape, I decided that the real purpose of a thermostat was to keep an engine from running too COOL, not to determine how HOT it might get. (which is essentially what Alexander's point about winter driving was)

If you are going to change, you might consider one of these new fail-safe thermostats. They stay in the OPEN position if they fail, so you can't overheat. I think they cost about $10 but the extra $6 might be worth it at some point. I have seen them in several auto parts stores in the past 6 mos.

john