Date:         Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:20:14 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Thermostats - 87 degree vs 80 degree
Comments: To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <C16AA78C468944588BF814CC45D0872D@KarlPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM> wrote:
> Your engine management system is designed to run at 87.  If the 80 degree
> stat is used, the FI will be constantly adjusting for a too cold engine with
> a too rich mixture, wasting gas.

And I believe that will be true winter or summer.

What the thermostat does physically is remain closed (no coolant flow) when the temperature is cooler than the set temperature, 80 or 87 C.  At the set temperature, it opens, allowing coolant flow.  It plays no role whatsoever in getting the coolant temperature to drop.  It will stay closed until the set temperature is reached, open, and remain open unless the temperature drops below the set temperature.  With the engine running in summer that is unlikely.  If the engine is overheating in summer (temperature running above 87 C), the thermostat might be stuck closed (not likely), but an 80 C thermostat will not make it run cooler if other causes are at fault (most likely).  Check the fan, the radiator, and so on.

Given that the engine is engineered for 87 C, it should run at that temperature.

mcneely


>
> Karl Wolz
>
>
>
> |-----Original Message-----
> |From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]
> |On Behalf Of John Rodgers
> |Sent: Monday, October 10, 2011 12:16 PM
> |To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> |Subject: Thermostats - 87 degree vs 80 degree
> |
> |Stock - 87 degree
> |Aftermarket - 80 degree
> |
> |Here in the South is cool/cold in winter - but in summer it's
> |just plain dog days hot!
> |
> |Which thermostat would be preferred? Why?
> |
> |Thanks,
> |
> |John
> |
> |--
> |John Rodgers
> |Clayartist and Moldmaker
> |88'GL VW Bus Driver
> |Chelsea, AL
> |Http://www.moldhaus.com
> |-----
> |No virus found in this message.
> |Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> |Version: 2012.0.1831 / Virus Database: 2090/4543 - Release
> |Date: 10/07/11

--
David McNeely