My car is a 95 Integra GSR, it calls for a 170F thermostat. I live in a colder environment, so would it be better if I ran a thermostat such as 180 or 192? I just bought a thermostat and got home and opened it and it is 192F, how will this effect my engine? The reason Im replacing my thermostat is because my coolant temp gauge barely gets pass 1 quarter of the gauge...usually hovers just above the C mark, unless I drive alot. I am also going to check out my ect sensor.
Thermostat Temperature?
- Thread starter Sinasta
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As long as engine doesn't ping, and rad-fan doesn't compete with thermostat, it'll work.
Depending on OEM ECU tuning, engine temp might affect the A/F ratio(MPG change) and timing(power loss). Keep an eye on engine feel and MPG.
If engine feels weaker, if engine pings, if rad fans come on too often, then step down to the 180F.
I run a hotter thermostat and don't have any issues in my Toyota.
Too cool of a thermostat in my Ford caused much oil moisture issues.
Your location is also more immune to hotter thermostats.
Depending on OEM ECU tuning, engine temp might affect the A/F ratio(MPG change) and timing(power loss). Keep an eye on engine feel and MPG.
If engine feels weaker, if engine pings, if rad fans come on too often, then step down to the 180F.
I run a hotter thermostat and don't have any issues in my Toyota.
Too cool of a thermostat in my Ford caused much oil moisture issues.
Your location is also more immune to hotter thermostats.
For Hondas, Toyotas and Mazdas EFI designs, I would always recommend stock factory OEM thermostats. If it calls for 192F, for 192F. If it calls for 185F, go for 185F. You simply cannot go wrong with factory unit unless your ECU has been stroked/reprogrammed.
Them Acura's need to run cooler than other engines. Most engines even Alum ones can safely do 230* or more. Not yours. It likely will blow a head gasket before 220*. Real thin casting.
Get the thermostat that was recommended for your vehicle. The engineers really do know what they are doing.
Keep that baby COOL! If it's having issues heating up, i.e. no heat in the cabin, that's a different story; otherwise stick to OEM thermostat's.
I have a truck running with a 170F thermo as well, I actually prefer that it stays on the cool side - there's no evidence on the spark plugs that anything is amiss.
I have a truck running with a 170F thermo as well, I actually prefer that it stays on the cool side - there's no evidence on the spark plugs that anything is amiss.
That car looks familiar
I just replaced my thermostat a few months ago with the OEM 170F one, and it's been working great.
Get an OEM! The reason your temp gauge probably wasn't coming up all the way was because the thermostat was partially stuck open. That is common on higher mileage Integras.
OEM is the best way to go because it's usually made better, with a thicker spring and a gasket that fits just right. Not only that, but it will help keep the coolant circulating at the temperature that was intended, which is VERY important in emission controlled vehicles.
The factory thermostat is suitable for all climates. My Integra temp gauge always sits at the same spot, even when it's 20 below zero outside.
OEM is the best way to go because it's usually made better, with a thicker spring and a gasket that fits just right. Not only that, but it will help keep the coolant circulating at the temperature that was intended, which is VERY important in emission controlled vehicles.
The factory thermostat is suitable for all climates. My Integra temp gauge always sits at the same spot, even when it's 20 below zero outside.
Yes. As a general rule you have to be very careful about keeping the coolant level full in Hondas. If the car overheats even a little bit, there's a good chance that the head gaskets popped.
When customers come into our shop with an overheating car, we tell them that we can fix the cooling system, but warn them that the head gaskets may be bad as well.
I actually used a Duralast thermostat in my Integra, but it was 170F, and i'm impressed with it thus far
it's always perfectly on the 2/5 mark and warms up nice and quickly.
I have a factory 195F thermostat in mine and it actually runs way cooler than that most of the time. In the winter it'll get down to 176F if I'm cruising along and catching a lot of cool air. Today it got up to 187F with the A/C on and both electric fans running. In the hot weather, it'll actually run cooler with the A/C on because it makes the fans run all the time.
The 3800 V6 has an awesome cooling system.
The 3800 V6 has an awesome cooling system.
On cars with electric fans the PCM will have a programmed turn on temp. This more than likely has more to do with the actual temperature the engine runs at anyway.
The T-stat is for setting minimum temperature, fans are for maintaining or limiting maximum temperature.
The T-stat is for setting minimum temperature, fans are for maintaining or limiting maximum temperature.
The thermostat rating is the OPENING temp.
The rate of opening varies a lot.
Normally, 170 is too low [cold] for a modern car, but your factory thermostat may have a certain design that makes it viable.
So, stick with it. You can get spark knock and overheating if you go to a higher rated one.
The rate of opening varies a lot.
Normally, 170 is too low [cold] for a modern car, but your factory thermostat may have a certain design that makes it viable.
So, stick with it. You can get spark knock and overheating if you go to a higher rated one.
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