180 vs 160 degree thermostat

[PackMan22]

I made another topic about a coolant leak, and after doing some digging, think maybe the thermostat is the culprit. I went to JBG and I found the 180 and 160 degree thermostats, both for the 351. I have a 1990 351 AT, and am not sure which I need, or if they are interchangable, or if one is better somehow. Any help will be appreciated.

Here are the two I'm talking about: 180 degree 160 degree

 

[zintrex]

im no bronco wizard, but i know European manufacturers deliver different thermostats for different climates.

Like audi delivers 2 types: 80 degree Celsius for hot areas and 90 degree celcius for cars that go in cold areas like up here in Norway. or summer/winter ones.

many from hotter areas ive talked to say they dont understand why, but i promise you the 10 degree difference is huge when you have weather like up here with -30 celcius (-22 F)

the extra heat from the heater is very welcome.

so id say taht its thermostats for 2 different climates.

 

[Bully Bob]

That eng. would preform better at 180deg. or maybe even 190deg.

Check your book or local auto parts store....they will know.

Being in Idaho., I wouldnt go any lower than 180. Yah., there's several degree ratings that will fit in there.

Side note...some folks think they can cure an overheating prob. by going with a lower degree 'stat. (or even taking it out.!)

That's not going to happen.

 

[50joe]

Fuel injected engines require a certain temperature to run efficiently. The lower temp is for the hotter climates, (arizona, southern cali) where the normal outside temp can reach 100+ degrees on a regular basis. Using a higher temp T-stat in those areas would cause it to open and close much more often, causing it to weaken and fail prematurely. Also, When the engine is cold, the fuel air mixture tends to be rich. As it warms up, the ECM/ECU leans it out gradually, until fully warm when it reaches ideal fuel air mixture to balance power and efficiency. In normal everyday use, running too low of a thermostat causes a rich mixture, wasting fuel. (And no, that will NOT increase performance).

 

[PackMan22]

So the consensus is, living in Idaho, I should probably go with the 160, right. But ask the parts store first. I really appreciate the info.

On a side note, anyone swap one of these out before, is it pretty easy?

 

[muddrivermike]

Fuel injected engines require a certain temperature to run efficiently. The lower temp is for the hotter climates, (arizona, southern cali) where the normal outside temp can reach 100+ degrees on a regular basis. Using a higher temp T-stat in those areas would cause it to open and close much more often, causing it to weaken and fail prematurely. Also, When the engine is cold, the fuel air mixture tends to be rich. As it warms up, the ECM/ECU leans it out gradually, until fully warm when it reaches ideal fuel air mixture to balance power and efficiency. In normal everyday use, running too low of a thermostat causes a rich mixture, wasting fuel. (And no, that will NOT increase performance).

That and the stupid "Coolent temp below thermostat regulating temp" code that comes up when the thermo opens too soon,,Well at least on newer vehicles. Anyway if you do put in a cooler one in,just go out wheeling and clog your radiator a little and it'll even it all out,, h34r: /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[lobo1117]

EFI controlled engines operate at 192* peak efficiency,

otherwise the engine remains in open loop, AFR suffers

and runs rich.. use the correct stat