I just ordered my plenum kit and noticed that one of the suggested items is the 180 degree thermostat. What is the advantage of running that? It seems to me that by fixing the leak it should eliminate the knocking so why run even cooler? Will the cooler temps lead to more carbon build up?

 

Keeping it cooler is why. A cooler engine runs better.

 

what about a 160 degree thermostat

 

our pcms start to screw up when the temperature gets that low...180 is about as low as you should go.

 

The truck does not run cooler, the thermostat merely opens sooner. A cooler thermostat won't resolve running hot issues, such as what I'm currently trying to resolve with my truck.

 

Then why does my truck run cooler after the 180?

 

When a 180 degree thermostat is installed it WILL run cooler than a 195 degree stat. It opens sooner and therefore the coolant is going thru the radiator sooner and thereby cools before reaching the higher temps.

 

Let's try this again.

 

You're samrt, too ... hehe.

 

I have to agree with VW. The 180 stat just helps the engine cool quicker thats all. It helps when your on long hauls, sitting in traffic, or towing.
BTW VW, I think Sharp might need your input in off topic about volkswagon cars.