My temps don't go above 194. All kinds of traffic and speeds, I'm pretty much seeing 188-194 according to the Ultragauge.

I have a 180 stat to install. Question is, should I bother at this time of year? Will I reduce my top temp, or is the point that it reduces the chance of the top temp increasing?

Had a fun day doing tranny fluid and drive shaft and other stuff. Photos to follow when I get chance.

 

Those seem like amazing numbers. I have basically an entire new cooling system and I am between 188 highway and maybe 205 on a hot day in traffic. I also have the genuine 180 tstat.

 

I'm seeing the same 188 in motion 194 at long idle temps on a warm day and 185 199 on cold days with the 180 degree thermostat. My fan doesn't seem to want to pull any air at idle on cold days...

 

same here, lately it's been around 188 driving and up to 201 idling.

 

I changed to the Nissens aluminum radiator, new genuine 180-deg thermostat, new viscous fan and water pump a couple of months ago. The Ultragauge is showing 188-deg (highway speeds) to 194-deg (idling with air-conditioning).

 

If you're running 188 to 194 in all conditions, the PO may have already put a 180 t-stat in. Those sound like average temps for a 180. If it's not gray it may be a motorad 180. Some have had problems with the motorad units but, others have had no problems.

If it were me, having an ultragauge to keep an eye on it and if the temps stay the same as you mentioned above, I'd drive it for awhile before changing it out but keep the grey one with you if planning any trips.
But that's just me, others may think differently.

That would give you a little while to live with it and see if you may have any small leaks that need attention.

Don't know how long it's been since the coolant has been drained, flushed and replaced or when you plan to do that but, when you do get to that, change the t-stat then.

Just a PS for anyone else that may stumble across this later, I wouldn't recommend going out and buying a motorad 180, buy the genuine grey 180.

 

I second that. I did a motobad and it increased my over all temps.

 

I have seen as high as 205 on a hot day towing up a hill but it's usually around 188 to 197.

 

Never use a Motorad stat. If you see one, get a hammer and smash it up
so it does not go into anyone's engine.

Use the grey landrover 180 degree stat.
Use a Hayden Fan Clutch - new HD.
Put in a new Nissens radiator from Rockauto.com

If you do all this you will surely have fought the good fight and then you can just
drive the rover.

One way to tell your cooling system is on the lam is to hear the AUX fan kicking on
when you come off the highway into a parking lot.

This means your coolant has past the 210 Degree F mark.
The AUX fan is on as if to say: OH Sh eye tt I will try to save your **** as you need it saved.
But I can't promise anything.

 

Same temps for me with a LR 180 and Hayden HD fan clutch. 188 moving, 199 rarely when idling when it's cold, but 90% of the time it's at 194 idling.