I am the original owner of a 1967 Pontiac GTO with a 400 ci engine and a 2bbl carburetor. This car was built long before onboard computers and anti-pollution devices. My car seems to be running very hot but unfortunately I do not have a water temperature gauge. I have lubricated the manifold heat riser to make sure it is working properly so hot exhaust gases will be sent directly out the tailpipe after the car warms up. My question is what would be wrong with replacing my factory recommended 190 thermostat with a 160 or 178 thermostat in hopes of having a cooler running engine?
2006-07-16 14:27:55 · 10 answers · asked by Paul M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
190 is not too hot for your vehicle to be running. I'd resist going lower until you discovered what has changed in order to make the car run hotter than is has in the past. Being as old as it is, it may be time for the radiator to be boiled out, or the water pump to be replaced. Changing the thermostat to open at a cooler temperature may not stop the car from running hot anyway. If the current thermostat is opening properly, you should be right in the middle of it's (the car's) operating range. I'd look elsewhere before messing with factory specs on a good old car like that. Try back flushing the engine.
2006-07-16 15:01:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always replace your thermostat with the same temperature that it came with. If it came with a 190 degree thermostat, replace it with the same. Your engine was designed to run with that temperature. Yes, thinking that cooler is better is a good concept, but that does not apply to a car's engine. Using a cooler thermostat will decrease gas mileage, power will decrease, and the spark plugs will soot up quicker because the temperature is not hot enough to fully burn the fuel / air mixture. Running a engine "too cool" is not good for the overall life of your engine.
2006-07-16 14:48:10 · answer #2 · answered by bobby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without a gauge, how do you know how hot the engine is? If it hasn't boiled over, then it might not be too hot. You shouldn't guess about a critical system on your car. Install a temp gauge or buy an inexpensive infrared temp gauge and aim it at the thermostat housing so you know for sure. Any mechanic would want to do this check before doing any changes. At least an honest one would.
2006-07-16 15:57:22 · answer #3 · answered by webman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whats wrong with that? Nothing. Gives a few extra ponies, cooler block, means more power. Go for it. Also get a temp. gauge, if you really think your overheating.
2006-07-16 14:32:28 · answer #4 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you tryed a coolant flush in the gylcol level are down the car will get over heated and will damage the motor
2006-07-16 17:08:04 · answer #5 · answered by sniper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my experience, there should be nothing wrong with it, a cooler engine is often better anyway.
2006-07-16 14:31:54 · answer #6 · answered by mkejt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No Problem at all the only thing is that in winter your heat won't work properly
2006-07-16 14:37:38 · answer #7 · answered by iamright2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when I let my car run the gauge reaches high than it goes down than up again.
2015-06-16 03:20:10 · answer #8 · answered by donna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it wouldnt hurt dropping down a little,but dont cool your engine too much,cause it will not burn the fuel proper.
2006-07-16 15:37:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problem with that .But you might want to all so flush out your radiator
2006-07-16 14:39:44 · answer #10 · answered by jim d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋