Hey guys, my radiator is leaking so since I'm replacing that I'm going to go ahead and flush the system and go ahead and replace the thermostat. My question is that I've found they sell a 160 degree thermostat. Are there any benefits to putting a different temperature thermostat in the truck, or are there also consequences to changing it cooler?

Thanks
Matt

 

These trucks were designed to run a 190 (I think the actual OEM from factory was 192) therm, running a cooler one reduces chances of gasket failure but hurts more in the long run. Contrary to what some may believe Ford did employ engineers in the designing of these engines and their components, so I would trust them with what the thermostat should be set at.

Also this article (http://hotrodscott.blogspot.com/2007...ermostats.html) talks about "heat soak" which is a byproduct of putting in a cooler therm, it causes coolant to flow through the radiator too fast and actually creates a hotter running condition than using a higher temp rated thermostat.

If you want to run your engine cooler use the 190* but install a 2, 3, or even 4 row radiator. By increasing the surface area of cooling fins you will lower the temp more than allowing the therm to open more.

 

I'd have to agree with the whole engineering thing. Your truck isn't from the days of carburetors, distributor points and bobbypins. The motor is designed to run at 192 degrees. Making it run cooler just messes with your computer settings and causes all kinds of issues.