[buster]

I have tried different sensors and I know my sensor and gauge are matched. I have even used and infrared heat gun at various locations to check temp and here is my situation. I drive in the Central Coast of California in mostly moderate temperatures. My car rarely runs at more than 165 degrees F. I have a 180* thermo. If it's a REALLY hot day and I am sitting in traffic, the temp will go up to 180 but only then.

I realize this is the opposite problem than most people complain about but I think I would like to have run a little warmer. Any suggestions/thoughts?

[fishslayer143@yahoo.com]

are you running alum. heads? sometimes the gauge/sender reads differently on alum.... if you have an infrared gun, point it at the thermostat housing when your temp gauge reads 165*.. if it also shows 165* and you want it to run warmer, switch to a 195 thermostat. my car is similar, it does not want to run hot.. I have a 190 t-stat and it runs 180* even on hottest days

[buster]

Originally Posted by fishslayer143@yahoo.com

are you running alum. heads? sometimes the gauge/sender reads differently on alum.... if you have an infrared gun, point it at the thermostat housing when your temp gauge reads 165*.. if it also shows 165* and you want it to run warmer, switch to a 195 thermostat. my car is similar, it does not want to run hot.. I have a 190 t-stat and it runs 180* even on hottest days

I have pointed it there as well as nearby locations and the radiator inlet. Re changing the thermo is, the temp doesnt even reach the 180* of my current one?! I do have aluminum heads. Thanks for the info, at least Im not alone! Is it true the engine would run better at 180-190 than 165?

[toobroketoretire]

Originally Posted by buster

I have pointed it there as well as nearby locations and the radiator inlet. Re changing the thermo is, the temp doesnt even reach the 180* of my current one?! I do have aluminum heads. Thanks for the info, at least Im not alone! Is it true the engine would run better at 180-190 than 165?

I have often read an engine is much more "thermally efficient" when run at around 200 degrees and that's why the standard thermostat is rated at 195 degrees. If you happen to have a mechanical gauge lying around try using that and see what your temperature shows. Also as a side note I recently found the gauges used prior to 1972 use a different sender. I had been using the sender Standard called for in my '71 big block and my gauge always read close to 240 degrees. Upon putting the correct sender in (I ordered it from Rik's) my gauge reads exactly what my thermostat is rated for.

[fishslayer143@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by buster

I have pointed it there as well as nearby locations and the radiator inlet. Re changing the thermo is, the temp doesnt even reach the 180* of my current one?! I do have aluminum heads. Thanks for the info, at least Im not alone! Is it true the engine would run better at 180-190 than 165?

some thermostats are not accurately rated, especially the hi-flow Mr Gasket one ..if you show 165 at the t-stat hsg. , then gauge is reading right.. I would say get a 190 or a 195 and pop it in..only takes a few minutes and $10 .. it takes a 190 to make mine run 180, I have alum heads as well....it won t hurt anything to run 165*, the reason cars run 210-220 now is for cleaner emissions.. 180 -190 is a happy engine

[toobroketoretire]

Originally Posted by fishslayer143@yahoo.com

some thermostats are not accurately rated, especially the hi-flow Mr Gasket one ..if you show 165 at the t-stat hsg. , then gauge is reading right.. I would say get a 190 or a 195 and pop it in..only takes a few minutes and $10 .. it takes a 190 to make mine run 180, I have alum heads as well....it won t hurt anything to run 165*, the reason cars run 210-220 now is for cleaner emissions.. 180 -190 is a happy engine

I have always uses Stant thermostats because they're known to be good quality and they've been in the business of making thermostats since the beginning of time. Thermostats use a wax pellet inside that expands when it gets hot and opens the thermostat. After repeated openings and closings the wax will eventually migrate out of the thermostat and is why it's recommended to replace them every two years. At the same time the coolant and hoses are replaced.

[fishslayer143@yahoo.com]

most of what you buy now is from China or Mexico,quality is not job one there... it should say on the box 180 ish

[buster]

Originally Posted by toobroketoretire

I have often read an engine is much more "thermally efficient" when run at around 200 degrees and that's why the standard thermostat is rated at 195 degrees. If you happen to have a mechanical gauge lying around try using that and see what your temperature shows. Also as a side note I recently found the gauges used prior to 1972 use a different sender. I had been using the sender Standard called for in my '71 big block and my gauge always read close to 240 degrees. Upon putting the correct sender in (I ordered it from Rik's) my gauge reads exactly what my thermostat is rated for.

I had that same experience and the guys at Keen got me the correct sending unit.

Originally Posted by toobroketoretire

I have always uses Stant thermostats because they're known to be good quality and they've been in the business of making thermostats since the beginning of time. Thermostats use a wax pellet inside that expands when it gets hot and opens the thermostat. After repeated openings and closings the wax will eventually migrate out of the thermostat and is why it's recommended to replace them every two years. At the same time the coolant and hoses are replaced.

I will look for a stant and in the 190-195 range. Thanks TB and Fish, you guys are awesome!

[buster]

Afterthought_since I didn't get R45 plugs in yet, I wonder if they will make it run a little warmer?

[toobroketoretire]

Originally Posted by buster

I had that same experience and the guys at Keen got me the correct sending unit.



I will look for a stant and in the 190-195 range. Thanks TB and Fish, you guys are awesome!

No, Fish is awesome. I just try to be awesome. Fish is one of the sharpest guys I have ever met and he's always willing to share his expertise with others. He is a great asset to this forum.