04-16-2013, 07:45 AM
Jim and TereCooling System Thermostat Replacement
Putting 'Old Blue' back together this morning. Will replace the old thermostat while at it. Old one was AC Delco, 195 degree. Any good reason to go to a lower temp thermostat? According to the temperature gauge, we don't have any overheating problems and do very little 'hill climbing'.
Jim
04-16-2013, 08:38 AM
Steve VWI would stay with the OEM 195. A lower temp thermostat probably won't make it run cooler..once it opens the temp is a balance between engine heat in vs coolant flow (water pump) vs heat out through radiator.
Minimum 195 is a good place to keep it. Mine runs about 205 at cruise, 220 on most hills. If you run it too cool the engine won't make as much power, oil will not stay as clean, and waste fuel.
If it does get too hot, putting in a lower thermostat will just keep it from getting fully warmed up at idle, etc while full load flow (open thermostat) will be the same for either one.
Be sure the radiator is clean and open (water and airflow) Bigger is better, dumps more heat.
Put in high flow pump (I think you already did) to move more heat to the radiator to dump it.
Be sure your fan clutch is working.
Mine has 2 electric fans (about 14 inches) in front of the radiator. They were originally for the AC, they are the only thing I kept. They come on automatically at 220, or by manual switch on the dash panel. I flip them on when I'm pulling hills or stuck in traffic.
04-16-2013, 09:42 AM
Jim and TereThanks, Steve. Off to pick up the Delco 195. Also have new fan clutch (will keep old one for a spare). Still trying to talk Tere into taking the a/c compressor off. BTW, do you recall the number of the belts you used after you took off your a/c compressor?
Jim
04-19-2013, 06:43 PM
Doormanquote:
Originally posted by Jim and Tere:
Still trying to talk Tere into taking the a/c compressor off.
I would not remove a working AC system. Comming back from Niagra Fallsl last July, Heading South into the sun I would have loved to have my AC blowing cool air on me. Had both coach AC running and both dash fans on. 100+ deg. that day. It wasn't bad, but if dash air had worked it would of been on.
What is your reason for doing away with your engine air? You say you don't have any overheating issues. Being able to only run 1 coach AC at a time on your coach I would think you would want to keep your AC,