195 degree thermostat?

[deathsled]

I seem to have a small coolant leak.  Could be around the thermostat housing.  While at it I am looking to replace the thermostat and I saw a recommendation of 195 to fix any potential overheating problems.  Thoughts?

[Bob Gaines]

I seem to have a small coolant leak.  Could be around the thermostat housing.  While at it I am looking to replace the thermostat and I saw a recommendation of 195 to fix any potential overheating problems.  Thoughts?

This is my go to thermostat. It is a 180 degree high flow design .Used successfully on many cars for decades by me and many others .https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-4364

[FL SAAC]

I recall a study years back when I was looking at the thermostat temp thing with the Mustang and I recall that wear increased when engine temperature was kept below 180F (another reason to avoid the 160 stats) and performance was reduced when you got above 190, hence the 180 being the "sweet spot", a perfect balance of low wear rates and performance.

Best wishes and keep kool out there !

[Bob Gaines]

There is a Ford large diameter thermostat that was used up to and including 1966 production and a smaller thermostat that started being used starting in 1967 production. You need to be certain which thermostat housing you have.Maybe post a picture or check the casting numbers . The summit part I posted a link to is for the smaller thermostat. 

[deathsled]

Engine is a late 80s 302 that came out of a Mustang drag car.  So a five liter Fox body type 302 thermostat is what I will need.

[KR500]

195 deg. is the OE thermostat spec. and they work just fine if there are no other issues with the cooling system, engine, exhaust and ignition system. Using a 180 T stat I find makes very little difference if you are chasing an over heating issue. A high flow may help some, but maybe not as to high of a flow ( as in no T stat,the coolant flows to fast through the radiator to get a good heat transfer and could actually be worse). Fixing the root cause of the over heating is the cure not using a band aid lower temp T stat.

[Bob Gaines]

Engine is a late 80s 302 that came out of a Mustang drag car.  So a five liter Fox body type 302 thermostat is what I will need.

The one I posted a link to is the small thermostat which will work in the housing that you have. Getting to the root cause of a overheating problem and fixing that is always good but sometimes it is a trick in figuring that out. Somethings things like overbored engine or engine block with scale in the water passages can be difficult to fix short of tearing apart the entire engine. If the inexpensive thermostat fixes the symptoms then some people are satisfied with that rather then finding the root cause. The debate goes on as to what degree to use. To each their own. I know what has worked for me after listening to all of the debate. Use your best judgement on what to do. 

[deathsled]

I think the only reason it's overheating is because antifreeze has been leaking out. Still a new thermostat is no doubt due and I got a radiator cap as well. Will see. Taly ho!