Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 180 deg thermostat?

[JCyrbok]

What is the advantage (if any) of going with a 180 deg instead of 190deg thermo? I have noticed that some guys list that they have gone with the 180. Also how do I know if I have the 190 or 180 to begin with? I would assume that I have the 190 as my gauge rises to 190 then drops and levels at about 185.



I'm about 1K from flush and fill for the cooling system and that would be the perfect time (obviously) to change out the thermo to the 180, if there is a good reason to.



Thanks in advance

J-

 

[EagleEye]

I did it for the heat...

Living in So. Cal and going to the desert to water ski, ride motorcycles, etc. I figured ANY latent heat I could take from the engine would be a benefit in my case.



I also work on top of the Grapevine, and it can get cold. I have read the discussions on getting 'too' cool and washing the lube from cycinders, soot buildup, etc. but I have never had a problem.



The cooling system just seems adequate in my opinion, and if I try hard, I can tax the cooling system to the max. I have also installed a Horton fan clutch and between the 2, I noticed an improvement. The mighty Cummins just doesn't set so blasted hot. In my application, I would not have it otherwise.



The less latent heat that soaks into the engine, bearings, oil, etc. , the better off I feel. In ANY heavy machinery, the worry is MORE about heat and removing it than keeping it in. The cooler, the better. And 10 degrees shouldn't create a ticking time bomb for the Cummins like some think.

 

[Oil Burner]

I'd stay with the 190 in Michigan. Looks like you went through 2 winters before your first changover. The 180's don't kick as much heat in the winter as 190's. Unless you are going to change it for summer and winter, i'd stick with 190.

JMHO.

-Jason

 

[willyslover]

IMHO. . how long is your avg. drive. . if it's short trip/stop n go , don't do it. . if you drive a nice long drive every time you fire it up then go for it or if you have a bunch of summer heat in your area...

I have a 20 min. drive just to go to the "close" market / over priced fuel and live in the mountains and hot summer months so it works for me.

 

[OTRPU]

When working 500 miles a day is my average drive. I did it, big difference towing, creeping through city traffic jams and around all the construction going on. Anybody tried the new thinner aluminim radiator I've heard about?



Cheers, Steve J.



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[JCyrbok]

Cool thanks guys. I think that I'll stick with the 190. I thought that I had heard (for some odd reason) that the 180 actually helped with mileage! LOL But I'm probably crossing two or three things up like usual.



Thanks

J-