Thermostat Options

[TheDeal526]

1989 3.8 Standard V6

When I serviced my cooling system about 8 months ago, the autoparts store gave me a 160 degree thermostat. I just recently serviced the cooling system again, and noticed the thermostat was stuck, and would not open. The new thermostat I replaced it with is a 180 degree thermostat. My question is does it matter which thermostat I use? Should I use a certain thermostat depending on the season (winter months or summer months)? I was also wondering what would be the difference if I did not use a thermostat at all???

[TerminalVelocity]

no thermastat means its going to be way too cool, and your engine will take way longer to warm up.

180 is good, optimal burn. You dont need a 160...your not racing right? 180 is just fine, keeps good milage.

[TheDeal526]

Thanks TerminalVelocity...... I wasnt aware that the different thermostats could affect mileage. Is that because the 180 degree thermostat allows the engine to reach operating tempature faster??? That 180 thermostat is good year round???

[overl0rd]

With a 180 degree the engine will maintain an optimum temp to avoid sludge formation