LJ 180 Deg Thermostat

[mrchips]

Need some feedback. Don't have any overheating issues but want to put in a 180 Deg thermostat, so the engine runs a little cooler, and under hood temps are not so hot. I just don't like that the under hood temps are so high, and what will it do to wiring, sensors and other plastic components over time. Thanks

[Jerry Bransford]

Stay with the factory specified 195 degree thermostat. Number one, the computer is happiest when the engine is running at its normal temp which is about 210 degrees. The #1 cause of engines not passing their smog test in California is when the engine isn't running hot enough, the engine is designed to run right at 210 degrees. That temp is not too hot. Second, the factory 195 degree thermostat is already wide open at 210 degrees, installing a 180 degree thermostat that will be "no more open" than that will not help cool it more on hot days. Thermostats are really more of an aid to make sure the engine warms up faster, not to help it run cooler.

[mrchips]

for the smog issue I would install the OEM stat,,,,,,,,

[Jerry Bransford]

Just to confirm that replacing the 195 degree thermostat with a 180 degree replacement will not make it run any cooler on a hot day. It just doesn't work that way.

[mcneil]

In theory, you also get better efficiency and more power out of a hotter engine. In theory.. which means I couldn't say if you'd notice a difference.

[mrchips]

thanks for the info, I understand the engine will not run cooler, my worry is the under hood temps are so high. I could put a louvered vent on the hood to extract the hot air.

[Jerry Bransford]

Why are you so worried about temps under the hood if the engine is running at the right temperature? I hope it's not a power issue where you're thinking cooler air would make your Jeep faster.

[Shadly1]

There are lots of things you can do to keep underhood temps down. You can have your exhaust header or manifold ceramic coated, you can mount vents to your hood, you can install an electric fan...

Is heat causing a problem or is this just a preventive maintenance thing?

[Kodiak Spirit]

I understand what your thinking, when you open that jeep hood it is like an oven! but that is how it has been designed to be. But... Genright has a hood louver kit that looks good and will let out a lot of heat, but it will still be hot... use the stock t-stat.

[RAT]

Yep, I concur. Don't mess with the factory stuff, at least not things like the thermostat. It's set to that temp for the reasons already stated...

[mrchips]

my issue is with the long term effects of heat on electrical, and other components that will get destroyed. not power or overheating just maybe slow down future problems. Thanks for the input, information well taken.

[chris142]

A 180 stat will run about 195 and a 195 stat will run about 210... 15 degrees isn't much difference in temp. Not enough to cause excessive wear on underhood parts plus most under hood temps are from the hot exhaust manifold.

[Schmo]

X2 on the Gen Right louver kits, you can see the heat coming out from them and they look pretty sweet . . . one of these days

[TJ Clay]

A 180 stat is not gonna run 195 on hot days as jerry said, its just gonna open sooner but once its open it will be the same as a 195. If your jeed is running too hot like 230 you have an issue with your cooling system. mine runs hot with the air on in the rocks when there is no air flow thru the radiator. Wish i had got a larger radiator when i replaced mine.

[womb raider 940]

Yep, I concur. Don't mess with the factory stuff, at least not things like the thermostat. It's set to that temp for the reasons already stated...

I concur with Rat.