bfiakas
Well-Known Member
What are the advanages of installing a 180 deg. t-stat in my 88 Bronco 2? Will my gas mileage suffer due to the engine running cooler?
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180 deg. thermostat
- Thread starter bfiakas
- Start date
typically yes.
OEM temp is OEM for a reason... if you are daily driving, keep it OEM. I have a 180 in mine right now but it's because i'm having issues somewhere else... with the 180 thermo, my truck's temp is where it should be.
if your cooling system is right, just use OEM and be happy.
OEM temp is OEM for a reason... if you are daily driving, keep it OEM. I have a 180 in mine right now but it's because i'm having issues somewhere else... with the 180 thermo, my truck's temp is where it should be.
if your cooling system is right, just use OEM and be happy.
Surrey
Well-Known Member
^^^ That.
If the cooling system is in good working order, the stock 195 Tstat is what you want to use. If you use a lower Tstat the engine will not get up to working temp, which will effect mileage and cause additional engine wear.
If the cooling system is in good working order, the stock 195 Tstat is what you want to use. If you use a lower Tstat the engine will not get up to working temp, which will effect mileage and cause additional engine wear.
Well there is one advantage..............
Lowering engine temp lowers intake manifold temp and engine compartment temp.
While it isn't much it isn't nothing either.
Lower intake temp means lower air temp which means denser air which means more fuel is added on each power stroke.
This is why MPG goes down.
This is also why "cold air intake" sellers recommend lower temp t-stats, it makes their product look like it did something, lol, when it's actually just the t-stat.
Cooler air is also why people notice they "have more power" in the winter, cooler outside air, and why MPG is less in the winter.
Is the lower temp good for the engine, no, best lubrication happens when engine coolant temp is 200-230degF, all oil weight/viscosity is measured at 212degF
Is it good for MPG, no, see above
Is it good for power, yes, the more gas you can burn the more power you get.
Would you notice this power difference?
maybe, it would depend on outside air temp, and the air temp system on the engine, older systems had separate air temp on the intake, newer have MAF sensors on the air filter.
All fuel injected systems have ECT sensors, these are the EFI system's "choke", it tells computer the coolant temp so computer can set fuel/air rich when engine is cold, then lean it out as engine warms up, if it doesn't warm up then it stays a little rich, you also often get a CEL because it isn't warming up, computer has a timer for engine warm up, 10 minutes I think.
Would it win you a race, no.
Lowering engine temp lowers intake manifold temp and engine compartment temp.
While it isn't much it isn't nothing either.
Lower intake temp means lower air temp which means denser air which means more fuel is added on each power stroke.
This is why MPG goes down.
This is also why "cold air intake" sellers recommend lower temp t-stats, it makes their product look like it did something, lol, when it's actually just the t-stat.
Cooler air is also why people notice they "have more power" in the winter, cooler outside air, and why MPG is less in the winter.
Is the lower temp good for the engine, no, best lubrication happens when engine coolant temp is 200-230degF, all oil weight/viscosity is measured at 212degF
Is it good for MPG, no, see above
Is it good for power, yes, the more gas you can burn the more power you get.
Would you notice this power difference?
maybe, it would depend on outside air temp, and the air temp system on the engine, older systems had separate air temp on the intake, newer have MAF sensors on the air filter.
All fuel injected systems have ECT sensors, these are the EFI system's "choke", it tells computer the coolant temp so computer can set fuel/air rich when engine is cold, then lean it out as engine warms up, if it doesn't warm up then it stays a little rich, you also often get a CEL because it isn't warming up, computer has a timer for engine warm up, 10 minutes I think.
Would it win you a race, no.
Last edited:
bfiakas
Well-Known Member
Well I installed a 180 t-stat yesterday to see for myself what to expect, as I have been traveling /camping this summer with the Bronco. And so far it's been running at 185 to 190 degs here in Logan,UT.I have a air/fuel ratio gauge and I have seen it swing over to the first green bar(rich) a few times since the install.With a full load of camping gear and tools(@4500 lbs. gross)I have been getting 21.50 mpg running 60 to 65 mph but also been running @ 200 degs up steep grades here out west.So I'll keep an eye on the gas mileage and if it drops I'll put a new 192 deg t-stat back in. Thanks guys for the info.
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