3.0 t stat question

[BARanger]

installing new motor in 96 ranger cannot decide witch t stat to use 192 degrees or 180 the truck will be off road mostly in the summer and would like to make sure it does not over heat on trail

 

[Ranger44]

180

 

[Bob Ayers]

Go with the OEM 192. You will get less engine wear, less contaminates in the oil, and better MPG. If it has a problem (like a blocked radiator) using a 180 isn't going to keep it from overheating.

 

[almostclueless]

Mr Ayers is right....the thermostat just ensures the engine isn't TOO COOL (unless it malfunctions).

 

[BARanger]

what about the flex a lite electric fan will that free up horse power and cool properly

 

[almostclueless]

EVERY RBV I've seen had VERY capable stock cooling systems. You could perhaps save a little power and mileage with an electric fan (provided it's properly wired in), but as to when it paid for itself in mileage, good luck.

 

[Bob Ayers]

what about the flex a lite electric fan will that free up horse power and cool properly

He said he didn't want it to over heat. NO e-fan will have the cooling capacity of the OEM mechanical! And, the mechanical fan is far more
reliable.

 

[fixizin]

I agree, the stock Ranger cooling sys seems A-OK with plenty of "margin". I've been off-road in S. AZ, 118 degrees outside, 4-Low, A/C on, stereo blaring, steep grade climbing, and the temp gauge stays where it always is, mid-range. Ergo, if I replaced anything, it'd be an EXACT replacement.

NO e-fan will have the cooling capacity of the OEM mechanical!

While installing an e-fan on a Ranger seems like the proverbial "solution looking for a (non-existent) problem", and not something I'd ever do, you can't categorically state that some e-fans won't move more CFMs than the OEM belt-drive... of course if the mondo e-fan requires a larger alternator to drive it, that would be a clue-by-4 that you're going overboard, and doing a mod just because it "sounds cool"... no pun intended.