IDM

Guys I put in a 160 thermo after reading online and noticed my gas mileage doesn't seem to be as good...was 14mpg before.


I read that if I have a California vehicle I should do a 180 instead of the 160 but wasn't able to tell if its a Cali truck or not.
How can I check if it is and how can I check if its in closed loop mode?


thanks

memoniz

What engine do you have?

I tried a 160, 180, and a 195 in my 4.9. It definitely runs better with the 195, which is what factory spec. If you want to cool your engine better, I would try a 2 row radiator or an e-fan.

IDM

I have the 5.0 manual


I read a huge thread about it and even shops say that a non cali car will get the best gas mileage with a 160 thermo


there have to be some hard facts out there about gas mileage and closed loop

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

The emissions sticker under the hood will say Federal or California emissions.

sdmartin65

Seems like you have the answer, remember mpg is the most exaggerated item on this forum. On the newer trucks guys will say I get this mpg doing this and this mpg doing that but then someone honest gives lifetime and it well below all the this and thats.

Great mpg can be had but driving style has way more to do with it. I regularly get 13 in my 95 302 2wd, but I'm always in the fast lane. My dad drove the truck on a 250 mile trip to Idaho and got close to 17. I didn't think that kind of mileage was even possible but well he drives like a Grandpa. When you ride with him you just have to remember that you will eventually get there.

Klinux13

Maybe....

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't think you would get very good gas mileage with a 160 thermostat. The engine was designed to run hotter. Even 180 is low for a 302.

dr_bowtie

Thats is WRONG....

they put hotter T-Stats in for Emission reasons... the hotter the temp the less hydrocarbons but more fuel consumed.

the hotter the engine runs the more fuel it needs to maintain the same power level.

Some engines simply do not like a colder t-stat. it could be driving habit or any number of reasons.

on paper a 160 t-stat should do best as on the fuel map it will pull 10% fuel out of the map via Fuel Trim. doesnt matter what engine.

this also depends on other factors such as ECT, AIT and O2 sensor properly functioning.

on a Federal Emission ECM it starts adding fuel to the table about 170 degrees and on a multiplier from there

if you look on the Emission sticker on the hood the small print on the bottom of the sticker will say California or Federal Emissions... California Emissions like the 195 thermostat because it will kick in and out of Loop mode at 180 degrees... Federal Emissions will at 140 degrees or less...

Warlockk

You need a reader to see if the engine is in closed loop or not. But like Dr. Bowtie says those numbers are pretty safe if all is working right.

Z7What

I'm not sure if the 87-96 vehicles have a open/closed loop computer system. If they do they it would require a tune to run correctly. Reason being is that the truck needs to be at operating temp get into closed loop. Closed loop is the when the computer uses data from its sensors to make adjustments. If it's to cold the engine stays in open loop. Open loop is set parameters that are set and don't adjust which can cause bad mpg.

Google Open/Closed Loop and I'm sure you will find more info about it.

Wayne