When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
What benefits are you referring to by running a 190 stat? No one drives these for the MPG they get so why tempt fate over a few tenths of a mile better per gallon if that? Unless I'm missing something?
The 03-04's will throw a code if you run colder thermostats than 180 in the winter (summer not so much because the radiator limits the lower temp to about 180ish), I actually run 170 stats in my 00's with no issues. Actually they seem to get slightly better mpg and power. I did multiple 600 mile road trips this past summer consistently getting 17mpg driving 75 mph on a truck with a 250k mile engine. 160 might throw a code even on the older trucks. My boat had a 140 stat (iron block chevy 350) for running in salt water, so you can run lower without significant issues. Down lower than 160-170 the clearances are a little looser so you might get slightly more oil/fuel dilution but that depends on how long your trips are. My LS camaro had terrible fuel dilution in the oil when I only drove it 3 miles to work because it never got warm, same kinda thing with a Disco running a cold stat.
17mpg is pretty impressive, I'm assuming that is a mostly stock truck?
Originally Posted by whowa004
What benefits are you referring to by running a 190 stat? No one drives these for the MPG they get so why tempt fate over a few tenths of a mile better per gallon if that? Unless I'm missing something?
There's a few benefits to warmer temps like higher efficiency, better moisture removal from the crankcase, and better interior heat in the winter. I disagree that it is tempting fate. I think that running a consistent 190-195 would be as safe, if not safer, than my current setup that runs 185-200.
What benefits are you referring to by running a 190 stat? No one drives these for the MPG they get so why tempt fate over a few tenths of a mile better per gallon if that? Unless I'm missing something?
in Canada our prime minister is crazy about climate and tax. They announced today gas will be going up over 20 cents by 2022.
it’s already at $1 a litre and $1.26 if you want premium 91. Lol I can’t see anyone daily driving one of these here or you are gonna pay huge
Temperature discussion is different from reliable thermostats discussion. The factory thermostat system is flawed for the following reasons:
1. Unreliable - sticks closed, housing cracks/breaks due to age
2. Large temperature swings- bypass valve does not close completely
3. Replacement/Removal dumps most of the coolant
Inline thermostat mod is more reliable, more consistent temperature, and can be removed/replaced without losing more than 1 cup of coolant.
If I lived in Canada I would run a 180 thermostat in the summer and a 190 or 195 in the winter. Takes less than 5 minutes to change.
I'm from Southern Ontario, (Canada) I've seen this on a lot of threads but it does get quite cold here, would it cause me issues?
I have an '03, on very very very cold days where I head out to a flat highway I have seen whatever the code is for the engine not warming up fast enough. On super cold days, I let the D2 warm up a bit before heading out. I saw the same with grey OEM thermostat. Once up to temp, the inline thermostat keeps the engine temp around 183' On long downhill sections the temps would dip below 180' and then come back up as the thermostat did its job.
Did the in-line mod w the 180 t-stat a few years back. Low 180’s for the most part - even during prolonged idle with AC on. Occasionally hits 194 in the summer on long ascents in the Tahoe area. Also gets down to the low 170s on long downhill grades in some pretty cold temps (also in Tahoe). Has never thrown a code.
Inline mod is a must. The comment above asking about cooling temps, it looks like your question was addressed well.
My perspective on it is that it’s an old motor designed when 160/170 thermostats were common. “How to power tune a rover v8” states that 167 degrees F is optimal for Max power, so I assume that’s a temp the engine is happy running.
I have an 04’ D2 with the inline mod, new fan and HD fan clutch, new water pump, and we’ll maintained cooling system.
On cold days my temps are between 165-175 and when it is driven for long we periods it’s always 170-180.
All of the input and advice I’ve received from @Extinct has been awesome and on point. Love the inline mod!
12-11-2020, 02:55 PM
