180 degree thermostat

[aldive]

Can a 180 F thermostat be used with a stock ECM?

Advantages or disadvantages?

 

[Alec]

I wouldn't do it, especially on a SOHC. It's just opening up a can of worms. Sorry I don't want to elaborate much, but there are many problems that may cause, especially in FL.

 

[aldive]

Such as.....?????

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Well, I know the stock computer is set at 195 (?) degrees so if you use a lower temperature thermostat, your computer will pump more fuel so the engine will be running too rich, hence lower fuel economy.

 

[mosinman]

will only do bad things for you UNLESS you have an aftermarket chip that calls for one. You will hurt your performance and your gas mileage by not getting the motor to the temp it was designed to work efficiently at. Just say no.

 

[Texan01]

Yep I pulled a 180 out of my '95 OHV and noticed a big improvment in the way it idled (much smoother) got about 2mpg better from 19 to 21mpg and seems much happier.

 

[SWLathrop]

First and foremost, FORDs love to run "HOT" period. That's the way they were designed. The average coolant operating temp is about 210 degrees (thus the 195-196 degree stats). The biggest problem with running a lower temp thermostat is as follows. It causes excessive fuel to be dumped into the cylinders, which in turn causes washing of the cylinder walls which causes excessive cylinder wear. The excessive fuel also causes the converter(s) to burn excessively hot, which in turn causes the converter(s) to melt down and plug up. It also causes pre-mature O2 failure problems. All of these add up to "BIG" $ repairs. The best scenario for a FORD engine is to maintain the stock high engine temp while providing the coldest and free breathing intake coupled with a quality CAT-Back system. And since we're looking at high engine temps, one should utilize a quality synthetic lubricant. Since the coolant only cools the outer extremities of the engine, the oil is what tranfers the heat away from the internals. A quality synthetic lubricant will drop the internal temps on average of 20-50 degrees (this IS good).