87'302 w/ a/c, auto trans. Which F degree thermostat? Is it OK to use one in the 180's or does the lower than stock temp (192F) interfere w/closed loop function beginning and therefore air/fuel trim beginning?

 

the Ford manual says loop mode happens at 180 degrees...and I say BS...

I have a 160degree stat in mine and it still goes into loop mode in 15 seconds of light throttle and stays there like it is supposed to...and I actually gained mpg doing so...

beings it is colder the fuel trim happens via the O2 sensor to keep the ratio correct...which is good and a cooler engine makes the same power as the hotter engine but with much less fuel...


the warmer the whether the colder the stat should be I say...even here in Indiana I run a 160 stat year round...

 

Ok, I'm out the door before the store closes. My last three thermostats have been "Mr. Gasket balanced performance" units. I've yet to get a year out of any of them!

 

I buy the cheapies as i tried the mr gasket 160 and it was opening at 140...they arent as good as you think...not worth the 20.00 you spend

 

I started thinking they weren't so hot after to 2nd time I had to replace one in 2 years. Nevermore! Back to Stants.

 

mine is currently stuck open