thermostats

[Jim M.]

Hi, I have 454's fresh water cooled. What temp. thermostat's is recommended.
Thanks, Jim

[Harry Babb]

I like to runuum at 190/195 F........

Harry

[Jim M.]

Harry, thanks, I know have a 180 degree thermostat installed, do you use a higher temp.?
Jim

[John F.]

Jim-

I have fw cooled 454s and have 180s. I've never had a problem.

John F.

[White Bear]

180 thermostat - this time of year with the sea water temperature in the high 50s I get about 170 in the engine, by the end of the month I should be seeing 180+/- as normal until I haul in December.

[Harry Babb]

I have a 350 freshwater cooled in a 244 Chaparral that I run with a 190 degree thermostat......with no problem.

I prefer the hotter tempt.....I think engines are more efficient at the higher tempts........

Way back in the early 70's I went to a Chrysler Marine Engine class in New Orleans. They told us that seawater cooled engines should not run at more than 140 degrees because the internal corrosion factor accelerates greatly at higher tempts and they recommended 180 degree for the Freshwater cooled engines.

But I just like the higher temps.......

Harry

[In Memory Walter K]

I think it's because the higher temperatures crystalize the salt which increases the speed of buildup and blockages. Freshwater cooled engines perform better at 180-190, but not salt water.