4 replies to this topic

[hanra]

What temp thermostat do you run in your 308? 

 

I had originally fitted a 180deg then the other year I changed to a 160deg.. Ive noticed the car takes too long to warm up now. So considering changing to a 170deg. 

 

I think that a 180deg is prob suitable for southern parts. Maybe not best for Farrrrrrrrr North Qld? 

[76lxhatch]

The thermostat defines the running temperature regardless of external climate. If the temp goes too far above that other parts of the cooling system are lacking. I still use the 180; later engines were more like 190 for better efficiency. Don't really see any point in running the engine too cold.

 

How long the engine takes to warm up vs whether it bounces up and down in temp when the thermostat opens can be fine-tuned with bypass (either around or through the thermostat by drilling it). High-flow (bigger opening) thermostats also behave differently.

[claysummers]

I agree with your theory but my experience with 180F thermostat and big radiator differs. I’m now running a 190 thermostat with half the radiator front surface blocked off. At ambient 16C or 61F in other words, it idles at 180F, but on the highway it sits at 170F. Behaves much the same in hot weather with surface fully exposed. With half surface covered in hot weather it sits on 180F on the highway but idles up to 212F. It is a three core copper brass HD HZ LC LX radiator. Not a 308, just a puny 186.


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[hanra]

I have a 2 core radiator and mechanical fan.

[Shiney005]

160 is only about 70 Celsius so pretty cool. Did it ever overheat when you had the 180?