

| Subject: | Cooler thermostats/head gasket fix comments |
| From: | Jack Reed |
| Date: | Mon, 14 Jul 1997 17:24:36 -0600 (MDT) |
I have to disagree with those that are proposing lower temp thermostats as a cheaper alternative to either water or oil recirc systems. Engines are designed for optimum operation within a certain temperature range. Going much outside this range, either high or low, will reduce the engine's efficiency, i.e. lower gas mileage and power, greater emissions, significantly. This applies to lower temps as well as higher temps. For those that want to go with a lower thermostat, try removing it altogether sometime and see what effects that has on the above mentioned criteria. You'll see reduced efficiencies across the board. In addition, there's no guarantees that such action will have the desired effect, that being to lower "engine off" head temps. If the outside temps are 110F in the shade and the engine's set a tad lean, I doubt it. If you've just pulled Monarch Pass in 90F heat and 20% humidity, I doubt it. Thermostat's are designed so that engines reach operating temperature in the shortest amount of time, but not necessarily to limit their upper range. The trick here is to get lower head temperatures in the cheapest, most efficient manner possible, not just the cheapest. Someone with a head temp sensor and dash mounted readout should try the lower thermo fix first under a variety of conditions and report their findings to the list before people start swapping their's out willy-nilly. Just my $00.02, but I've seen the effects first hand on an engine that had no thermostat, just what can happen. These are intricate little beasties, these infernal combustion engines, and when you start fixing things that aren't broke, they will. Jack
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