160 Thermostat?
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160 Thermostat?
I'm planning on buying some underdrive pulleys for my 4.6, and was wondering if any of you (that are using underdrive pulleys) have had trouble with overheating? Our summers hit 100+ and I don't want to kill my head gaskets or water pump. Should I use the 160 thermostat, along with the underdrive pulleys? BTW, I have a Superchip ... hope it will accept the colder thermostat, if I decide to use the 160 thermostat. I would appreciate any advice you could share.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Puyallup, WA
Not sure, but...
My first thought is the computer, the stock one anyway. I think it uses the water temp to determine the correct/optimal air-fuel mixture. When it's cold, I think it uses more gas. When warmed up, this adjusts to use less fuel...... Kinda like the old choke days.... If the engine only reaches 160, the computer will not adjust for when it's programed for 190. Will still keep trying to dump more fuel in to warm it up.
That's just my own understanding of the whole thing. Maybe the Super Chip is programmed for using a cooler 'stat. I seem to recall reading that somewhere......
Maybe put a post in the Computer Chip forum and the Superchip_Distributer guy will point you in the correct direction.
That's just my own understanding of the whole thing. Maybe the Super Chip is programmed for using a cooler 'stat. I seem to recall reading that somewhere......
Maybe put a post in the Computer Chip forum and the Superchip_Distributer guy will point you in the correct direction.
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From: DOT BOMB CITY!
I agree, you WILL use more fuel and add MORE wear on the engine.
I towed over 5,000 pounds with mine in 95+ weather and the needle did NOT budge!
I have the 5.4 and Supercooling. However, I would wait and see if you start to over heat. In that kind of waether, under a load, and in traffic you MIGHT see it climb... Assuming you have an automatic trans? If you are manual you should be fine.
I personally would not do it unless absolutely necessary. What about a 180 or 185? I dont know what the stock temp is, but perhaps you can get one 10 or 15 degrees cooler? That would not be such a drastic change!
I towed over 5,000 pounds with mine in 95+ weather and the needle did NOT budge!
I have the 5.4 and Supercooling. However, I would wait and see if you start to over heat. In that kind of waether, under a load, and in traffic you MIGHT see it climb... Assuming you have an automatic trans? If you are manual you should be fine.
I personally would not do it unless absolutely necessary. What about a 180 or 185? I dont know what the stock temp is, but perhaps you can get one 10 or 15 degrees cooler? That would not be such a drastic change!
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Originally posted by Rand
I have the 5.4 and Supercooling. However, I would wait and see if you start to over heat. In that kind of waether, under a load, and in traffic you MIGHT see it climb... Assuming you have an automatic trans? If you are manual you should be fine.
I personally would not do it unless absolutely necessary. What about a 180 or 185?
I have the 5.4 and Supercooling. However, I would wait and see if you start to over heat. In that kind of waether, under a load, and in traffic you MIGHT see it climb... Assuming you have an automatic trans? If you are manual you should be fine.
I personally would not do it unless absolutely necessary. What about a 180 or 185?
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Corona, CA
BuffaloZone,
I just bought a container of 'WaterWetter'....an additive for the cooling system that claims lower operating temps by as much as 20 degrees. If I get 5-10 degrees cooler, I will be satisfied with it. Do a search for it....it runs about $8. I purchased this just before installing my SuperChip, which advances the timing to 14 degrees BTDC. With more advance on the spark, the engine may run a little leaner and possibly hotter; perhaps pre-ignition (pinging).
As for the 160 thermostat, I definitely would not install it. I think your cooling system is taxed enough to try to maintain optimum temps (read on). Also, Mike Troyer of SuperChips has posted some good feedback about the reasons why you do not want a cooler stat.
Your truck is still relatively new, so I would think that your radiator and pump are in good shape.
If you're having overheating problems, check the factory stat. Test it by pulling it out and stick it in a pan of cold water on the kitchen range top. Fire up the burner, use a candy or meat thermometer and watch to see at what temp the valve 'starts' to open and also watch for the temp when the stat 'fully' opens. Then, let the water cool down and note the temp when the stat fully 'closes'.
It the factory stat is opening and closing properly, think about coolant flow rate and heat transfer. By installing the 160 thermostat, more coolant will pass through the radiator in the same period of time than a higher temp thermostat. In other words, if the factory stat is working properly and your engine temp continues to build with the hotter weather, the coolant in your radiator may not be in there long enough to overcome block temps. Although this seems contrary to conventional thinking, I might seriously consider installing a 200 degree thermostat if the factory 196 degree stat is not keeping temps in check. The hotter stat may actually help keep the "real extreme" temps down. We used to put hotter stats on Jeeps with small and big block Chevy and Ford engines when we did desert runs (limited space for radiators and air flow through the compartment).
One more thing......look into some of the aftermarket performance stats. These regulate (open/close) quicker than the factory ones and may help maintain operating temps.
I just bought a container of 'WaterWetter'....an additive for the cooling system that claims lower operating temps by as much as 20 degrees. If I get 5-10 degrees cooler, I will be satisfied with it. Do a search for it....it runs about $8. I purchased this just before installing my SuperChip, which advances the timing to 14 degrees BTDC. With more advance on the spark, the engine may run a little leaner and possibly hotter; perhaps pre-ignition (pinging).
As for the 160 thermostat, I definitely would not install it. I think your cooling system is taxed enough to try to maintain optimum temps (read on). Also, Mike Troyer of SuperChips has posted some good feedback about the reasons why you do not want a cooler stat.
Your truck is still relatively new, so I would think that your radiator and pump are in good shape.
If you're having overheating problems, check the factory stat. Test it by pulling it out and stick it in a pan of cold water on the kitchen range top. Fire up the burner, use a candy or meat thermometer and watch to see at what temp the valve 'starts' to open and also watch for the temp when the stat 'fully' opens. Then, let the water cool down and note the temp when the stat fully 'closes'.
It the factory stat is opening and closing properly, think about coolant flow rate and heat transfer. By installing the 160 thermostat, more coolant will pass through the radiator in the same period of time than a higher temp thermostat. In other words, if the factory stat is working properly and your engine temp continues to build with the hotter weather, the coolant in your radiator may not be in there long enough to overcome block temps. Although this seems contrary to conventional thinking, I might seriously consider installing a 200 degree thermostat if the factory 196 degree stat is not keeping temps in check. The hotter stat may actually help keep the "real extreme" temps down. We used to put hotter stats on Jeeps with small and big block Chevy and Ford engines when we did desert runs (limited space for radiators and air flow through the compartment).
One more thing......look into some of the aftermarket performance stats. These regulate (open/close) quicker than the factory ones and may help maintain operating temps.
Last edited by Area 52; Jul 11, 2001 at 05:17 AM.