I own a 92 Mustang LX 5.0 and is running a bit hot. What kind of thermostat should I use? 160 or 180 degree?

Question

It's got an automatic transmission and it's mostly stock. By the way, the original equipment thermostat is 192 degrees.

Answer 1

if it is running hot always go with a lower temp thermostat.

Answer 2

I don't think the problem is the thermostat!

When the engine is hot, are the fans on?

Is it just getting hotter then you would like to see, or is it overheating?

There are a lot of things that control engine operating temperature and unless they are fixed you are fighting a loosing battle.

If the engine is lean, it will run warm. If the computer does not know, or is getting the wrong information, about the current engine temperature and inlet air temperature, it will run lean. So the engine will continue to run hot.

When changing the thermostat does not work look at these for your problem.

Answer 3

If you're gonna change the thermostat, then flush out your cooling system before installing it. Don't go lower than 180 degrees

Answer 4

The t-stat is NOT the problem.

Go ahead and put in a 100 degree t-stat for all the car cares, if it's overheating, something is wrong.

Now fix it right!

Oh, define "a bit hot".  On a 105 degree day in Texas with 150 degree asphalt radiating heat into the engine bay, this is nothing to worry about.  All the fan is doing is whipping hot air around the radiator.

Answer 5

use the 180

also try redline antifreeze additive

or water wetter

it works

Answer 6

Go for cooler every time so 160.