180 degree T/Stat question
#1
11-25-2007 | 01:21 PM
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180 degree T/Stat question
I have a 99 3/4 ton 5.9 gas 4x4 that I bought about 3 months ago and its bone stock, I am planning on some minor upgrades in the near future, I was wondering on reading some postings where folks have upgraded I have a question, "What do you get from changing the T/Stat to a 180 degree, why would you change it?" I have seen several trucks listed here where they have changed it out, I was wondering this. Any answers are appreciated. I also wanted to let everyone know that "Yes my gas mileage sucks also!!" bout 12 is all I can muster. Thanks..........................
#2
11-25-2007 | 01:29 PM
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#3
11-25-2007 | 02:13 PM
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
RE: 180 degree T/Stat question
benefit of 180 is for engine and auto transmission to run just a tad cooler, and hopefully, last longer.
cooler engine temp MIGHT reduce pinging if you have a mild plenum leak. doesn't help severe leak.
cooler temp MIGHT add 1 hp
cooler temp might increase emissions, and might cause emissions test failure...
one thing that i noticed. when joy riding very slow on dirt roads in the summertime in 1st gear with a good bit of start/stop and transmission slip going on, my normal 195 engine temp would climb to 210 or more. with 180 t-stat and trans cooler, now it stays well below 200.
cooler engine temp MIGHT reduce pinging if you have a mild plenum leak. doesn't help severe leak.
cooler temp MIGHT add 1 hp
cooler temp might increase emissions, and might cause emissions test failure...
one thing that i noticed. when joy riding very slow on dirt roads in the summertime in 1st gear with a good bit of start/stop and transmission slip going on, my normal 195 engine temp would climb to 210 or more. with 180 t-stat and trans cooler, now it stays well below 200.
#4
11-26-2007 | 04:57 AM
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RE: 180 degree T/Stat question
There is no advantage to the 180 degree thermostat
but the MPG loss is slight...less than 1 MPG.
The factory PCM computer advances the ignition timing at 180 degrees
compared to the stock 195, so any pinging reduction advantage gets wiped out.
Disadvantage of the 180 is that your heater won't work quite as well in winter
but it is still acceptable.
Contrary to what was written above
195 and 203 thermostats
reduce bore wall wear rate and that part of the engine will last longer.
It is possible that rubber parts in the engine compartment might last a bit longer at lower temperatures...but it is much easier to replace heater hoses and belts than bore walls.
but the MPG loss is slight...less than 1 MPG.
The factory PCM computer advances the ignition timing at 180 degrees
compared to the stock 195, so any pinging reduction advantage gets wiped out.
Disadvantage of the 180 is that your heater won't work quite as well in winter
but it is still acceptable.
Contrary to what was written above
195 and 203 thermostats
reduce bore wall wear rate and that part of the engine will last longer.
It is possible that rubber parts in the engine compartment might last a bit longer at lower temperatures...but it is much easier to replace heater hoses and belts than bore walls.
#6
11-26-2007 | 08:34 AM
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RE: 180 degree T/Stat question
ORIGINAL: 2500 mopar
right now if you have your stock thermostat its 195 degrees, by switching to a 180 degree you decrease 15 degrees. basically it keeps your engine cooler, which in the long run probably increases engine life.
right now if you have your stock thermostat its 195 degrees, by switching to a 180 degree you decrease 15 degrees. basically it keeps your engine cooler, which in the long run probably increases engine life.
#7
11-26-2007 | 09:11 AM
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From: Plant City, FL
RE: 180 degree T/Stat question
But doesn't allowing the t-stat to open sooner at 180* allow the enging to be cooled before it reaches higher temperatures, thus allowing the engine to run cooler? If the temperature is read at the engine, and the temperature is cooler, doesn't that mean the engine is running at a cooler temperature? I'm sure a larger radiator will allow the engine to run at 180* with the 180* t-stat longer during higher engine demands, but it would also run hotter if you used a higher t-stat. The t-stat opens at the temperature it is designed for, so even if you had a radiator the size of your truckbed and used a 195* t-stat, the engine would still run at no less than 195*. The 180* t-stat does allow the engine to run cooler but only as efficiently as the radiator can do its job. For most of us, the stock radiator will suffice under normal conditions. Not to cause problems or start anything here, but I have to agree with 2500 mopar and everyone else on this one.
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#8
11-26-2007 | 09:32 AM
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#9
11-26-2007 | 09:39 AM
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RE: 180 degree T/Stat question
ORIGINAL: ron333
But doesn't allowing the t-stat to open sooner at 180* allow the enging to be cooled before it reaches higher temperatures, thus allowing the engine to run cooler? If the temperature is read at the engine, and the temperature is cooler, doesn't that mean the engine is running at a cooler temperature? I'm sure a larger radiator will allow the engine to run at 180* with the 180* t-stat longer during higher engine demands, but it would also run hotter if you used a higher t-stat. The t-stat opens at the temperature it is designed for, so even if you had a radiator the size of your truckbed and used a 195* t-stat, the engine would still run at no less than 195*. The 180* t-stat does allow the engine to run cooler but only as efficiently as the radiator can do its job. For most of us, the stock radiator will suffice under normal conditions. Not to cause problems or start anything here, but I have to agree with 2500 mopar and everyone else on this one.
But doesn't allowing the t-stat to open sooner at 180* allow the enging to be cooled before it reaches higher temperatures, thus allowing the engine to run cooler? If the temperature is read at the engine, and the temperature is cooler, doesn't that mean the engine is running at a cooler temperature? I'm sure a larger radiator will allow the engine to run at 180* with the 180* t-stat longer during higher engine demands, but it would also run hotter if you used a higher t-stat. The t-stat opens at the temperature it is designed for, so even if you had a radiator the size of your truckbed and used a 195* t-stat, the engine would still run at no less than 195*. The 180* t-stat does allow the engine to run cooler but only as efficiently as the radiator can do its job. For most of us, the stock radiator will suffice under normal conditions. Not to cause problems or start anything here, but I have to agree with 2500 mopar and everyone else on this one.
#10
11-26-2007 | 10:00 AM
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From: vancouver island
RE: 180 degree T/Stat question
the rad cools the engine coolant .when the thermostat opens it allows the hot coolant out of the engine and the cooler water in .Ifthe thermostat was taken right out you would have a continuous flow of cool water flowing around in your engine . thus 180 degree thermostat would run a cooler engine than a 200 degree thermostat