What does a lower degree thermostat Mean?

Question

I bought a high preformance thermostat at 160 degree's and now my truck is overheating. before i had the factory one and it would'nt overheat this much. why could this be?

Answer 1

you may have installed it backwards or you have an air pocket in the cooling system, which would require bleeding

do yourself a favor and install a stock thermostat. Your car will run rich as it will have trouble reaching normal operating or closed loop operation.

Besides, unless you race it alot a legal track, then there is no for a cooler thermostat on the street.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Maybe you put it in upside down?

Answer 3

i would also suggest using stock it wont help unless you are pulling heavy loads (which is possible in a truck) check to see if the thermostat is working properly, (pot of water on the stove with a thermometer is the usual method).

Answer 4

The cooling system has a certain capacity or range of performance that allows it to work in hot and cold weather. The engine's thermostat sets the temperature that is runs at. Somewhat like the thermostat in you house turns the heater on or the A/C on. The thermostat opens and closes as necessary to allow the cooled coolant to cycle thru the engine or it allows the coolant that is warm within the engine to go right back into the engine without cycling thru the radiator. Engines run most effeciently and produce the most Horsepower at about 192 to 200 degrees F. The engine will also produce less emissions at this point as well.

A 160 degree thermostat may delay the overheating condition for a short time dependant on why it is overheating not what you are saying. You have something else wrong with it. Is the radiator getting hot? Sometimes the coolant doesn't flow to dump the heat. The radiator will actually be warm not hot when the engine overheats. If the thermostat if not opening enough, it could cause an overheat condition.  

Answer 5

high performance thermostat  wow. maybe you used regular anti freeze instead of racing antifreeze