Temp?

[copterdoc]

Does anyone have a 180 degree thermostat? How will it affect the engine if I go to it? I am a little old school about engine temp, I know that the reason most modern engines run a 205 or so temp is for lowering emissions. I can't help but feel like running at 180 will help with engine life and performance. Anyone have any thoughts on the matter?

[mickss]

You`re right about emission, but it`s also allows for a more complete and cleaner combustion burn. I would leave it as is. You may be risking carbon build-up on the valves after a long period of time, carbon retains heat causing burnt valves.

[montej23]

interesting i didnt know that mickss, so it would be better for the engine to run hotter? Doesnt make really any sense can you explain a little more please

[mickss]

A friend of mine who is an product engineer at the GM Tonawanda Engine Plant was the person who explained to me why the newer engines run hotter than older designed engines that ran cooler. In his words, it was the Goldie Locks Therory(sp), too hot, too cold, just right when trying to obtain the most efficient(MPG`s), power and less emissions burn. Sorry bud, that`s the best I can do for an explanation.

[Vash]

Yea don't change it. If you overheat something else is wrong.

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by montej23

interesting i didnt know that mickss, so it would be better for the engine to run hotter? Doesnt make really any sense can you explain a little more please

Well, i'd say 'run hotter than old engines'. You can really design an engine to run well at whatever temperature you want it to, and so long as it runs within that temp it will be great. But too hot or too cold and it will start having problems, as those weren't the temps it was designed for.

[Robert91RS]

Thought I would add. If you change the thermostat temp you will also have to have the computer reprogramed in order for it to go into closed loop operation.

[Fire]

What's stock?

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by copterdoc

Does anyone have a 180 degree thermostat? How will it affect the engine if I go to it? I am a little old school about engine temp, I know that the reason most modern engines run a 205 or so temp is for lowering emissions. I can't help but feel like running at 180 will help with engine life and performance. Anyone have any thoughts on the matter?

engine life would DECREASE. Oil temps would stay too low for too long except on longer trips, engine would run cold for a longer period which would promote more wear and blow-by, contaminating the oil quicker. Also, it wouldn't do any good really unless you also program the fans to come on earlier (except on the freeway). Could also lead to shorter fan and alternator life.