[toobroketoretire]

The thermostat located in the top/front of your intake manifold is one of the most misunderstood devices on an engine as many owners believe it somehow "determines" how hot their engine can get.

The thermostat is a small temperature sensitive valve that is rated at 160, 180, 195, or 205 degrees and it prevents coolant from flowing into your radiator until it's rated temperature is reached. The purpose is to force your engine to run at a minimum temperature before allowing your coolant to enter your radiator where heat is then removed by the passage of air thru the thin brass tubes.

Studies have found an engine is most efficient when operated at temperatures between 195 and 225 degrees as the fuel ignites and burns more efficiently than when operated at lower temperatures. So your thermostat is there to ensure your engine is operating at a hot enough temperature for good overall performance.

Once your thermostat opens it's solely up to your radiator to remove heat from your coolant and the larger your radiator is the better it removes heat so size does matter. Your C3 came with a 3-tube radiator unless you have A/C or a big block and those options came with larger 4-tube radiators.

 

[vettex2]

no way
urban myths say it can cause sterility !:smilielol5::smilielol5:

 

[[email protected]]

it is surprising,the number of people who think a 160* t-stat will make their car faster. ..it simply lowers the minimum temp your engine will run, has no control at all, over maximum temp...you make more power by using colder air, not cold motors ..

 

[toobroketoretire]

it is surprising,the number of people who think a 160* t-stat will make their car faster. ..it simply lowers the minimum temp your engine will run, has no control at all, over maximum temp...you make more power by using colder air, not cold motors ..

Fish, what really bothers me the most is how many people believe the thermostat controls hot their engine CAN get when in fact their thermostat has nothing to do with it at all.

 

[[email protected]]

Fish, what really bothers me the most is how many people believe the thermostat controls hot their engine CAN get when in fact their thermostat has nothing to do with it at all.

I believe some think of it as working like the thermostat in your home..turn it to 90*, it gets 90*...turn it to 60* it gets 60*.. that is not how an automotive thermostat works

 

[vettex2]

I believe some think of it as working like the thermostat in your home..turn it to 90*, it gets 90*...turn it to 60* it gets 60*.. that is not how an automotive thermostat works

I never thought of it that way but I believe you are correct
your analogy is right on the mark :z1-2:

 

[[email protected]]

I never thought of it that way but I believe you are correct
your analogy is right on the mark :z1-2:

thanks Ex.. I really do think thats where they get confused..

 

[toobroketoretire]

I believe some think of it as working like the thermostat in your home..turn it to 90*, it gets 90*...turn it to 60* it gets 60*.. that is not how an automotive thermostat works

It's the same logic that tells them a "hot" spark plug is the ticket to tire smoking power.

 

[[email protected]]

It's the same logic that tells them a "hot" spark plug is the ticket to tire smoking power.

or 93 octane in 8:1 comp motor makes it faster

 

[vettex2]

It's the same logic that tells them a "hot" spark plug is the ticket to tire smoking power.

or 93 octane in 8:1 comp motor makes it faster

:rofl::rofl:

maybe we need a wives tail thread ? :toilet: