Thermostat-Thanks, you guys were right.

[Hank]

After replacing plugs, wires, cleaning the MAF sensor, opening the airbox, synthetic fluids, BFG's, 2" lift, Gabriel VST shocks and super unleaded fuel, the one "mod" that made the most improvement was replacing the thermostat. $2.99 @ AutoZone.

I have even gone as far a switching back to regular unleaded and resetting the computer again. (I did a reset when putting the thermostat in and drove out the last 1/4 tank of super) So far no knock or ping even on a nice hot Florida Easter Sunday towing a boat with the A/C on. For kicks, I'll put up my mileage after the first couple of tanks. Will try one with regular and the next with super. I'll reset the computer when I change grades.

I was heasitant about changing the thermostat as I really prefer a cool running car but as I watch the gas mileage following the temp gauge down over the last few months I finally gave in..

I have great heat now, although in Florida it is just about useles...

Best regards.
hg

------------------
'91 EB, 4dr, 2wd
www.grimmick.com
hank@grimmick.com

 

[Hank]

Just a quick update. After 120 miles on the regular unleaded fuel I developed some nasty pinging when cruising at 55 whenever the OD kicked in. I ended up topping off with some super and the ping went away after a few miles. On a promising note was that my MPG went from 14.2 to 15.5 now that she can warm up a bit.

I'll post back after I burn out this tank and can run a full tank of super through.

hg

 

[wabbit]

Hank,
My 91 seems to run cold too. On my guage, the needle runs in between the N and the O on "NORMAL". My mileage is not so good either,about 15 mpg.
Did you go with a 195 or ???
I'm pretty happy with the performance of my engine. It has 170,000 on it and runs fine but I could stand to up the mileage...
Is the OEM replacement a 180 or a 195?
I've been blessed with a great motor and I'm not sure that going with a 195 will be messin' with a good thing.?.
Does the higher temp have any adverse effects on the motor?


------------------
'91 Explorer XLT 4WD

 

[Hank]

Wabbit,

Before the thermostat change mine was running slightly above the low line (way below the N)

The AutoZone computer said the 195 was the oem replacement. After putting it in I run between the O and R.

So far not adverse effects other than the ping, but I did switch grades of fuel at the same time. With 31" tires and 3.08 gears I'm probably going to be stuck running premium fuel if I ever want to run with the OD on. With the OD enabled I turn 1500 rpm at 55. The ping goes away if I disable it and the rpm's go up to 2000. From what I am gathering by searching the site is most of the guys with real gears run at 2000 or higher at cruise.

I'm going to burn this tank out with the OD disabled and see if I get better mileage. With the "big" tires and lousy gears I might be bogging the motor at cruise.

hg

 

[FMExplorer]

Hey Hank,
Glad to hear the truck is running better. I took a trip to Jacksonville and I must admit - I get worse mileage at 75-80 than I do 60-65! I get about 15 at the former and 18 the latter. When you added your 31's, did you recalibrate your speedometer? Mine is about 10% off. Don't forget to calculate that when checking mileage. I'm pulling my 3.27's out in a month or so if you are interested in a little more low-end for next to nothin...

Jon M

------------------
Jon McLeod
'93 XLT
K&N Drop-In
Modified Airbox
Kenwood Audio w/ 6-disc changer
31x10.50 Dunlop Mud Rovers
Rancho RS5000's

Next project: visit http://www.jonmcleod.com for more info!

 

[JimJa]

I don't want to raise anyone's ire, nor do I want to nit-pic, but to be correct here, OEM thermostat temp is 192 degrees not 195. Look at the OEM thermostat and on it you will find the temp, in C, stamped on the end. Convert and it will be 192. Jim

 

[DCider]

Hank,

Which temp thermostat did you ORIGINALLY have installed, 160, 180 or 195? Just curious ho LOW you went and had it effect your gas mileage.

------------------
David Cider
'92 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0L 4Dr 4...

Current Mods:
Hi flo cat and muffler, KKM Air intake, SuperChip, Magnacor wires and AutoLite Double Platnum plugs

Pending Mods:
JBA headers, 4" Suspension Lift, Tires & Wheels

 

[FMExplorer]

Hank,
Haven't done the speedo yet because I have the 3.73's going in (hopefully in a few weeks). I am going to Shoeless Joe's tomorrow night from 5-8 for an office happy hour. Your more than welcome to join us (drinks 1/2 price and free appetizers). Phone number is 489-4042 (office) 281-3577 (mobile)

Cya,
Jon M

------------------
Jon McLeod
'93 XLT
K&N Drop-In
Modified Airbox
Kenwood Audio w/ 6-disc changer
31x10.50 Dunlop Mud Rovers
Rancho RS5000's

Next project: visit http://www.jonmcleod.com for more info!

 

[Hank]

A combined reply here:

JonM: No, did not recalibrate the speedo yet but my numbers are apples to apples. Bottom line is I gained over 1 mpg which is great. Yes, the calibrated numbers would be even higher. Yes, at 70+ I was getting upper 13's lower 14's, remember we are trying to push a big brick through the air. Have you calibrated your speedo yet? If so who did you use? Lastly sure, I would be interested in the gears as it would really help with towing and highway cruising. Let me know when you are ready and how much. One of these days we need to hook up. I should be in town for a little while.

Jim, yup you are right. 192-195 but boy you sure are picky... It was dark and I was tired. It was just the OEM replacement from AutoZone.


David, the original was a 192 that was stuck open. My temp was running down near the bottom line of the normal range. Mileage and performance really started to drop. I never noticed it untill we had a warm day down here and noticed the temp and performance rise. Note that the rough idle has gone away. Performance and cruising is much nicer also.

Best regards to all.
hg