8V-71N Thermostats

[Debo]

Hey ya'll,

Everything I read says my early 80's 8V-71N can use 170 or 180 degree thermostats. Any benefit/downside to one or the other? FYI, I live and travel in the southeast US, and have never had overheating problems. Just trying to figure out why there would be two options. Thanks in advance.

[wg4t50]

I would run the 180 f Tstats,
Dave M

[Debo]

Hey thanks Dave. Is there a reason why I'd choose 180 over 170? That's what I'm trying to figure out. I'm guessing that if I had overheating problems I might want to choose the 170 so it would open sooner maybe? Just looking for reasoning more than anything. Thanks again.

[wg4t50]

If your overheating with 180 which will be fully open a 195, if still climbing you have a problem. With a 170 you will still over heat.  I prefer running in the 180-195 range if it goes to 200 I start the mister and do not let it get above 205.
Others have different opinions I am sure. Sooo YMMV
Dave M

[pvcces]

The thermostat is only there to control underheating, not overheating. Higher temperatures, short of hurting the engine, will increase efficiency and performance.

The main benefit to using a 170 is the additional heating time of the coolant required before it overheats. If you do not have an overheating problem, there is no benefit to using the 170, that I know of.

It will take a bit longer before overheating, if you still have the original heating equipment. We have 13 gallons of coolant to heat up, so it takes a while.

For what it's worth.

Tom Caffrey

[Debo]

Thanks Tom. Good explanation. Pretty much what I was thinking, but just wanted a second opinion. My radiators were replaced before I bought my bus, so I have no cooling problems whatsoever. Of course my conversion is still pretty light and I'm a flat-lander, but time will tell I reckon'.