170 or 190 Thermostat Tuned 5.0
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Im sure a Samsung will be less expensive than a I-phone, so I plan on looking at one of those. I refuse to pay $800 bucks for a phone, lol! I do have some apple computers, but a phone is something you can lose, break or just quit working, being so small and mobile so definitely rather spend the extra money somewhere else.
#32
Senior Member
Does anyone have a part number for the 170 thermostat? All I can find are the 194, 187, 160 and 140 degree thermostats. Can I get away with a 160? I did find a 170 degree thermostat online at Napa for under $6. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/MRD170
Last edited by Al_Maryland; 09-02-2017 at 02:40 PM.
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Here you go http://reischeperformance.com/#anchor
Its called a FORD 50 and i think MPT tuning sells them pretty reasonable.
Its called a FORD 50 and i think MPT tuning sells them pretty reasonable.
#34
Thermostats are set by the OEM for a reason.
My F150 was designed to run @195 degrees so when I recently changed it I stayed with 195 degrees for that reason. I have a tuner and cold air intake and that has nothing to do with the thermostat. Running your engine too cool will result in carbon buildup which is from what I read already a problem around the plugs on the 5.4 3 Valve Triton engine so why would anyone want to compound the problem thinking they are gaining something from running their engine below specified temperature? In the heat of summer I run mid grade and premium to eliminate any pre-ignition issues that arise from a warmer air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber. I can see making common sense modifications to my truck that enhance performance and possibly improve fuel economy but I tend to stick with the OEM research and development when it comes to things that ultimately would be detrimental to both performance and longevity of my vehicle, that being said, to each their own.
#35
Originally Posted by 2010HarleyF150
My F150 was designed to run @195 degrees so when I recently changed it I stayed with 195 degrees for that reason. I have a tuner and cold air intake and that has nothing to do with the thermostat. Running your engine too cool will result in carbon buildup which is from what I read already a problem around the plugs on the 5.4 3 Valve Triton engine so why would anyone want to compound the problem thinking they are gaining something from running their engine below specified temperature? In the heat of summer I run mid grade and premium to eliminate any pre-ignition issues that arise from a warmer air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber. I can see making common sense modifications to my truck that enhance performance and possibly improve fuel economy but I tend to stick with the OEM research and development when it comes to things that ultimately would be detrimental to both performance and longevity of my vehicle, that being said, to each their own.
#36
Even more confusing is the fact that I commented on a 5.0 thread when my truck has a 5.4, I drove a 5.0 all aluminum XLT and it was sweet but not sweet enough to take me away from my 2010 Harley Edition which Ford no longer makes. With my tuner shift points default to factory unless I decide to change them, fuel mapping is altered so it no longer feels like you put your foot on the brake when you let off the accellerator, timing is still subservient to the knock sensor but set up by fuel type selection. It's been a while since I plugged my tuner in but I don't recall any option for selecting a lower engine temperature. What are the potential benefits of setting up your engine to run at a lower temperature? I am aware of the possible problems that can arise in regard to carbon buildup but maybe I'm missing some potential gain.
#37
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Your answer
Even more confusing is the fact that I commented on a 5.0 thread when my truck has a 5.4, I drove a 5.0 all aluminum XLT and it was sweet but not sweet enough to take me away from my 2010 Harley Edition which Ford no longer makes. With my tuner shift points default to factory unless I decide to change them, fuel mapping is altered so it no longer feels like you put your foot on the brake when you let off the accellerator, timing is still subservient to the knock sensor but set up by fuel type selection. It's been a while since I plugged my tuner in but I don't recall any option for selecting a lower engine temperature. What are the potential benefits of setting up your engine to run at a lower temperature? I am aware of the possible problems that can arise in regard to carbon buildup but maybe I'm missing some potential gain.
http://reischeperformance.com/WhyLowTemp.html
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have tunes setup for both thermostats in case I have the need to run the cooler one. right now I am running the stock t-stat and all seems fine. I do run 93 octane all the time in my truck. We have had a mild summer this year.
#39
Potential harm VS Potential benefits?
Thank you for the link Koolponycar.
Most if not all cars today are equipped with a knock sensor that will sense detonation and automatically retard timing when it is sensed. I suppose its possible that some tuners might defeat this feedback loop, I'll leave it up to the imagination what problems that might cause if you're an individual that typically likes to push your vehicle to the limits. Running premium gas would help but the average $0.60 per gallon from 87 to 91 Octane has no basis, it's admittedly where they gas retailers have figured out how to extort more money from people with performance cars. When weighing the potential benefits of running a colder thermostat I'm still going to stick with the OEM temperature range but my tune is probably mild compared to some, I still view my truck as very nice basic transportation and I'm not interested in racing or impressing anyone at this point in my life.
One thing the article you posted left out as a potential pitfall to running too cool is the potential for carbon buildup on valves from inefficient combustion which is one area the reduction in fuel economy comes from, the other is the air fuel mixture.
It's a good thread and a reminder that when we do one thing that alters OEM specifications there are other things that might be effected so its best to do your research before you proceed.
The following users liked this post:
Koolponycar (09-18-2017)
#40
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yep the gas is on the rise again, luckily I don't drive far and a lot of miles but If it gets too high I will go down to a lower grade, i have 87 tunes also. I think the 170 can have benefits to those with more engine mods than the basic stock truck and those things you listed about carbon are a real concern. The article also stressed about the effects on the oil viscosities as in the winter when it does get cold take a look at what a catch can will collect for those using them. It really looks like watered down mudd in the winter. Im sure up north it will really collect a lot.