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Author
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Topic: Thermostat and sub-freezing temperatures
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Pierre
Gearhead Posts: 661
From: Near Paris, France
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 01-02-2006 11:19 AM
 
When outside temps go below freezing (25-30°F), is it still OK for the motor to use a 160°F thermostat ? PS: my internal heater is still heating up the inside OK but my temp gauge is at the first mark (don't have actual water temp)
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Scott H
Gearhead Posts: 1480
From: Chicago area
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 01-02-2006 12:07 PM
My thought is the 160 is a bit too cold. If the engine runs a little hotter it will be more efficient, will help prvent the oil from turning to sludge, and will help the interior warm up faster.
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johnmustang
Gearhead Posts: 6748
From: British Columbia , Canada
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 01-02-2006 12:27 PM
190 - 195 stat in those conditions. You want your motor and oil to be at a proper working temperature for the conditions you are in. Cold temperatures, thick oil (especially at start up) equal shorter engine life through un-necessary wear. It is a quick and easy job to change the stat and a very cheap way to gain piece of mind.------------------
JOHN
65 FASTBACK 2+2
87 TAURUS WAGON
03 F150 XLT SUPER CREW 4X4 SHORT BOX
Member: PACIFIC COAST MUSTANG ASSOCIATION
Member:Vancouver Island Mustang Association
M&M #1710
65 FASTBACK
2003 F150 XLT SUPER CREW 4X4
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Pierre
Gearhead Posts: 661
From: Near Paris, France
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 01-02-2006 03:24 PM
It doesn't stay cold very long here, but I'll probably swap it for a few monthsThanks guys
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Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 3237
From: Stanton, Michigan, zip 48888
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-02-2006 04:22 PM
Fellas, I can't see where the engine would realize much difference between a 160*F and a 190*F thermostat since it doesn't open until the coolant temp has reached the set point temp anyway - regardless if it's 60*F or 6*F outside. The only difference the outside temp makes is how quickly the engine GETS to operating temp when the stat opens and lets coolant to the radiator. What IS HARD on any car engine is starting it & running it while it is 6*F....that's why lots of folks use a electric oil pan heat pad or an electric inline lower radiator hose heater prior to starting - to take the cold edge off the engine, thus, allowing it to get to it's operating temp quicker. As far as the stat opening at either 160*F or 190*F, I don't see that as such a BIG deal... Even if you have a mechanical fan that turns all the time, so what? The coolant in the cold radiator isn't going into the engine until the stat lets the coolant to circulate. I recommend using the inline lower radiator hose heater. Yeah, it pulls 600 watts, but my engine really likes it! When it's less than 20*F outside, I click on my timer that turns the heater on about an hour before I drive it. The heater warms the coolant which, of course, warms the engine block and radiator. Then when I hit the key, the engine is happier & warmer right from the gitty-up! JMHO... Ryan 
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