temper temper!!!!!!

[stang_hp]

anyone have any advice on what thermostat i should use when I build my engine? when it was a 306 I used a 160 and it tended to run hot when at idle sitting in traffic for a while. ( engine build specs in my sig)

 

[HISSIN50]

I'd try to stick with a 180*F t-stat and fix the issue that was causing the car to run hot.

For instance, running hotter while stationary or going very slow, but cooling down once at speed can indicate a cooling fan issue. You might end up renewing some components to keep things up to par.

Good luck.

 

[stang_hp]

the electric fan is new maybe I need a better radiator. or do you think the 160 just stayed open too much and didnt have a chance for the fan to cool the fluid?

 

[TheBocSez]

Never used one, but have read a lot of horror stories about th FAL electric fans. could be part of your issue.

I also stick with a 180. My volvo fan, DC controller, and parts store 3 core keep my car at a constant 180-190 all year long.

 

[stang_hp]

I think I will try the 180.

 

[jrichker]

Underdrive pulleys (if you have them) and a too small radiator are definitely some of the possible sources of the problem. Since your car doesn't overheat when you are moving, the radiator drops down several places in the probable cause list.

The radiator has about 19" vertical surface, so a 16" fan leaves 1.5" top and bottom uncovered , plus what it doesn't cover on the sides. I would look for a larger fan that covers more of the radiator.

 

[stang_hp]

Thanks for the info, I dont want to harm my new engine.

 

[vristang]

There has been a ton of experience posted here already, but here is my .02

I run a stock stat 195F.

It sounds like airflow is your issue, so a new fan should help...

let us know how it goes...
jason

 

[montegoman351]

Run to O'Reillys and order a Mr.Gasket High-Flow thermostat. They'll have to look in a catalog, but it is a great investment and keeps my car cool.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Run the stock 195 t-stat. If you want to go lower, the lowest i would go is 180*.


EFI cars run better hotter, running a colder t-state is a holdover from the carbed days. If you have cooling issues, you need to address them and not baid-aid them with a cooler t-stat

 

[Bad92GT]

EFI cars run better hotter

if that aint the truth.. man my old car was night and day difference.. i'd hit the kill switch on the fan, let it get to about 215 ish.. heat em up, and launch, and the car was ALOT better.. i suggest stock stat to.. you actually give way to hurting the motor with a 160 stat.. simply because they werent designed for it

 

[4G-KDMP]

180 is my choice

 

[HISSIN50]

The stat rating isnt all that important compared to what temp the car runs at. If a 180 keeps someone under 220*F, that's what it takes. As components are replaced and temps come down, a simple stat swap is easy. MHO.

 

[Black1987Stang]

Run the stock 195 t-stat. If you want to go lower, the lowest i would go is 180*.


EFI cars run better hotter, running a colder t-state is a holdover from the carbed days. If you have cooling issues, you need to address them and not baid-aid them with a cooler t-stat

I agree, dont go lower than 180. I'm running a stock 195 with a STOCK radiator, fan (clutch locked up on me), shroud, water pump and all. With heads, cam, intake gears, etc too, in a cool day it settles at exactly 195 on my Autometer gauge, on a Hot NJ day it will CREAP up to highest ive seen was 203-205 in hot idling traffic.

I would do a full system flush etc.....might help out with that.

BTW I have a taurus 3/8l elec fan if ur or someones interested.

 

[daddystang]

I have a 306 also, with a 3row ford radiator, 180 t-stat, stock fan and shroud, and cobra water pump pulley. My temperature runs around 175 while moving, and also creaps up to 200+ when sitting in traffic on a warm day. I got a lot of great feed back in the past about this, and everyone seemed to think a good e-fan would be the answer. I'm saving up for a dccontrol fan. Good luck to you, keep us informed, and I'll do the same.