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correct thermostat

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Roberte

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I have an austin healey bj7. I noticed today that when at highway speeds my coolant temperature went up to over the top limit. The air temperature was approx. 90 degrees.

Moss shows 3 different thermostats, 160 (summer), 180 (normal), 192 degrees (winter).

As I will only be driving it until late october when the temperature will have cooled some, and normally from April - October which thermostat should I install?

Are there any performance/ engine problems I should be aware of in the event I choose to use the 160 degree one?

Thanks for the input.

Robert
 
I was using a 160, but i occasionally drove the car in cold weather and the car ran really cool. I've since switched to a 180 and am very happy with both summer and the occasional winter runs.
 
Roberte said:
I have an austin healey bj7. I noticed today that when at highway speeds my coolant temperature went up to over the top limit. The air temperature was approx. 90 degrees.

Moss shows 3 different thermostats, 160 (summer), 180 (normal), 192 degrees (winter).

As I will only be driving it until late october when the temperature will have cooled some, and normally from April - October which thermostat should I install?

Are there any performance/ engine problems I should be aware of in the event I choose to use the 160 degree one?

Thanks for the input.

Robert
Click to expand...
If you are experiencing temperature rise during highway driving, you probably have a clogged radiator. It needs to be re-cored. This is not a thermostat problem. Once you have a new radiator core (available from any good radiator shop), you should probably use a 180 thermostat with the sliding plate that covers the recirculation port.
 
Besides recoring or servicing the radiator, suggest testing the gauge. Remove thermostat housing and thermostat; slack off fan belt so water pump doesn't turn. Install cooking thermometer with probe adjacent to temp gauge pickup bulb in housing. Start car and warm to operating temp. Compare meat thermometer with gauge. My gauge showed over 30 degrees too hot. I used this setup to move the needle to the correct position.
 
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