I put in a 160*F t-stat today. When I went out on the highway to do some driving, I noticed that the temperature did not get any lower than usual (for highway driving). Why is this?

I was running a 195*F t-stat.



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86 IROC TPI 305
700-R4 with Trans-go shift kit
K&N Air filters
Dyno-Max cat-back
Summit tranny cooler
CEI throttle enhancer chip

 

My guess would be that your cooling system combined with the outside temperature isn't good enough to bring the coolant temp all the way down to 160, even if the coolant does start circulating at that temperature. My car did the same thing when I had a 160. You would notice a serious difference if it was the middle of winter, but otherwise, not much. And if it was the middle of winter, you'd be cursing yourself for putting that thing in there. Just remember that the car runs most efficiently at about 210.

 

Basically, your thermostat is opening too quick. After a couple cycles, the heat starts to build up. It's kinda similar to running NO thermostat. The coolant doesn't stay in the rad long enough to dissapate the heat before it's sucked back into the engine. Hope that is as clear as mud!

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85 Berlinetta Iroc exterior NOW 454 powered, 4.10 gears, 275/60/15 Hoosier Quicktimes and a PILE of other goodies..........YES, it's street driven!

check it out at http://www.bsronline.net/members/rob/rob_specs.html

 

Originally posted by Rob:
Is this true? I thought that since the 160 opens the same amount as the 195 (not temp, but actual flow of coolant) that it shouldn't make a difference.

 

I've seen guys with no thermostats overheat. Yeah the coolant flies through the engine, but it also flies through the rad. So your putting still warm coolant back in the engine to absorb MORE heat. When I had my flex fan on, it could maintain 160 because of the massive CFM's it pulled. When I switched to electrics it ran at 190 just because it was not taking all the heat out of the rad. So basically, if you don't have a good fan, shroud, and rad, you won't be able to maintain those lower temps. Notice how it will hit 160 then slowly start climbing from there?

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85 Berlinetta Iroc exterior NOW 454 powered, 4.10 gears, 275/60/15 Hoosier Quicktimes and a PILE of other goodies..........YES, it's street driven!

check it out at http://www.bsronline.net/members/rob/rob_specs.html