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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Lincolnshire, IL / Burlington, WI
Posts: 209
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what degree thermostat do I need
I just installed twin electric fans and installed the relay kit they supplied along with a "185 on/165 off" Thermal Switch....so what temperature thermostat should I use for my radiator? I read on the forum that the thermal switch "off point (165) should be above the t-stat. If true, that means I would have to install something in the 160 degree, right? That seems way too low????? Any thoughts???
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1970 C-10 CST, LWB, 402/400, A/C |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 8,021
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
A 160 degree thermostat would not be ideal for efficiency. I would say a minimum of 180. You might need to change your sending unit if the fans run constantly.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca
Posts: 1,211
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
I also would recommend at 180. The thermostat temp sets the minimum operating temperature of the engine, once open the engine will run at whatever temp is normal for that engine and outside weather temp.
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Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 1,662
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
The thermostat and thermal switch should match. 180 or 185 would probably be ideal.
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72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Elkhart, Texas
Posts: 1,882
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Catskill Mountains,NY
Posts: 8,924
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
185 on and 165 off in my opinion is way to low . I have 195on and 180 off on my 496 Chevelle fans run a short time to get it down ,the thermostat I used is a 160 with two small bypass holes I drilled into it . 165 is to cool for the motor to run efficiently and I think your fans will run alot. Did you also change out the alternator ? I put a high amp on it with a heavy gauge wire from the alternator to the battery .
If you run a 180 thermostat it will start to close when the water temp gets below 180 that's its job to keep the motor at temp . So the fans will be fighting the thermostat
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Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Ozark, MO
Posts: 579
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
I'm assuming you still have a carbureted 402 in your truck. For that I would use a 180 thermostat. The thermostat should match what your engine needs, regardless of what your thermal switch is doing.
The fan will just be running some when the thermostat is closed. So, it won't hurt anything other than being noisy. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Carlos MN
Posts: 2,212
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Re: what degree thermostat do I need
On my LS project swaps I use a 180 degree thermostat. Fan control is set at 215 on and 195 off. Gives me some room over the 180 degree thermostat.
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