Ok, im getting alot of answers about them.

Some people say they are bad an hurt performance, an others say they will help free up some HP. Whats the deal? Good or bad? The reason im asking is my engine is running a little hotter then i would like. I flushed the rad. an put 3/4 coolant and 1/4 water, an that dident help. So its either the thermostat or water pump. An im going to go with the cheaper one first. Are they ok to install? Do they hurt performace? A friend of mine said " in computer controlled vehicles the computer is designed to make optimum power at 184 degrees"

??? any ideas?



EDIT- Also whats the stock degree for a 1993 F-150 5.0L V8?

 

With a low temp t-stat, coolant is just going to be constantly flowing and flowing anf flowing, you want it to open up hotter than that. Engines run best when hot. Its basically like the racers that run with no t-stat argument, coolant doesnt get to absorb all the heat its sopposed to becuase its just flowing by without resriction. . .

 

So possibly a 170 or 180? I think my truck came with a 195 but im not sure...An they dont open at exactly 195, they open about 10-15 or even 20 degrees hotter

 

Um, I think they open 10-15 sooner. . .

If you are having a problem with getting too hot, changing the t-stat opening temp is not the correct solution. There is something else wrong. I would change it with the stock temperature, which should be above 185.

 

Its not getting too hot, its opening really late. It sometimes goes all the way up to the redzone before it opens. A friend of mine (works for ford) said they open 10-15 degrees later...who knows...he might just be talking out his ***.

 

You cant alwyas trust a stock gauge either. Grab a replacement, stock temp, replace it, see what the gauge does. If it does the same, pick up a mechanical temp gauge and try that. Also can replace the radiator cap

 

thanks man, on my way to napa now

 

It sounds like a sticky t-stat. I wouldn't stray from the stock temp. Lowering engine temp does not give you more power. Lowering intake air temp is what gives you power. And it is correct that the computer should have the temp it was designed for. Otherwise it will run to rich, the timing will be retarded, making you loose power.

 

Yes... a cooler thermostat is most definately not the problem for an overheating problem. I'm not saying your thermostat is not the problem, just that a colder one is not the answer. I have no kidding convinced guys to install a hotter thermostat to fix an overheating problem due to the effects that camarothatcould mentioned...coolant flows too fast to absorb any heat.

Also...and here's a biggie that tons and tons of people overlook!!! Installing a colder thermostat doesn't accomplish a darn thing if your cooling system doesn't have the capacity (large enough radiator, good enough water pump, enough capacity, etc)to cool it that much in the first place.

On modern electronic cars you want at least 180...200 is ideal.

I know race cars that will block air flow if they see water temps below 225!!

X 10

 

Correct. Troyer Perforomances's tests on the late 5.4's showed that they produced the most power in the 210 range. Stay with the stock temp thermostat and replace the radiator cap.

 

1. New stock temperature stat.
2. Flush the cooling system and use 50/50 mix, too much glycol = poorer heat transfer.
3. Make sure the fan clutch is working right.
4. Replace radiator cap with correct pressure replacement.
5. Check hoses, if they are getting spongy, they may be collapsing.