Thermostat temperature, 195, 180, 160

[TuxRanger]

I am replacing my radiator with the two row out of a 4.0L auto w/ac and I bought a 195 degree stock replacement thermostat, I live in california where it is generally warm all the time. Should I stay with that temp or can I go lower, I planning on putting a flex-a-lite 40 on it later when I get some more money and apparently that is adjustable but it generally turns on around 180, this radiator conversion cost me $230.00 already and I still haven't bought fluid. Give me some recommendations before I go into town today.

 

[TuxRanger]

Sorry, I have a 1991 2.9L

 

[AllanD]

The 180 can prevent a "thermal runaway" in REALLY HOT temps (anything over 95F when not moving at freeway speeds)

Generally speaking you'll usually get sliughtly better fuel economy with a 195deg.

AD

 

[MAKG]

How is that? An open thermostat is an open thermostat. A 180 isn't any bigger.

It DOES get really hot in Hemet. The Exploder 2row is a good idea. The aftermarket fan isn't. A working stock fan will keep you good. Do make sure you have the fan shroud -- it's VITAL. At idle, you should be able to hear the fan cycle; it sounds like the engine is spinning up and down, but there is no change in tach.

I would suggest adding an aftermarket mechanical temperature gauge; there is a good spot to tap and drill for it on the 2.9L lower intake manifold, or you can just reuse (and disable) the stock gauge.

Allan, I took my former Bronco II through the desert several times, sometimes at high altitude (that's considerably worse), and never had a problem with "runaway" temperatures once I put the 2row in. I also had A/C.

 

[TuxRanger]

Took my 195 back and got a 180.. can I find a metal fan blade at least for my stock clutch?

 

[MAKG]

I don't think so. Why do you want such a heavy fan? The clutch will work much better and last much longer with a lightweight fan. Not to mention the safety issues.

 

[TuxRanger]

I found that flex a lite makes a flex fan, its about $40.00, Oh and btw I am installing my radiator and my fan shroud covers my fan all the way now is that ok, it also does on my buddys 4.0?

 

[MAKG]

"Flex fans" have an additional control system -- the blade pitch. You can get "interesting" behaviors from overlapping control systems. In this case, two different radiator temperature controls.

If you're going to go this route, I'd suggest permanently mounting a redundant calibrated thermocouple into the radiator (preferably on the inside of the cool-side tank, but stuck into the cool side of the core ought to be OK), and see how it behaves.

 

[crawlin91]

how do you reuse the stock guage with a aftermarket one?? Or does anyone know of one (aftermarket)that works and where to get them.
I think I need a new thermostat my stock guage doesnt work at all.
Would it be a good idea to go ahead and replace the thermo when I do the radiator? just to see if thats the problem? Ive been looking into doing the rad swap myself...Its the exact same motor as yours Tux ranger 1991 2.9l