Thermostat

[DatDoug]

I learned something new today. My 510 runs a hell of a lot better when it gets to normal operating temp. I think the old one was stuck open cuz the car would never warm-up & ran like shit. Hard to believe a change in temp. could make such a difference :cool:

[metalmonkey47]

What brand thermostat did you use? I noticed the same difference in my L20B. The difference was phenomenal!

 

 

 

I prefer OEM Nissan thermostats. Only around $20 taxed.

[datzenmike]

Said this many times L20B run best hot... well up to proper temp. Spend the money on a good stat.

[Radiant-Designer]

Agreed! Mine didnt even have a Thermostat in it when I got it! Got the 180 degree (as per datzenmike's suggestion) and now it seems to run better

[banzai510(hainz)]

I was thinking the same today

Its getting colder. Run a 195deg

[DanielC]

I have stuck a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator on a 521 in the winter.

 

If a 521 in good shape will not overheat going up Cabbage Hill east of Pendleton, OR. in 95 degree heat, pulling a two horse trailer, with two horses, you can give up a little cooling capacity in the winter.

OK, I did turn the heater on part way up the hill, but once on top, I turned the heater back off.

[datzenmike]

If you need a 165 thermostat to prevent overheating in the summer you have a cooling problem that needs to be fixed. Putting the wrong thermostat in is not 'fixing' anything.

 

The L20B and the Ls before it were engineered to work (give best performance, economy, low emissions, and length of life) at 180-190 degrees. The engine will 'boil off' condensation inside it more readily if properly warmed up. My L18 when I got it would only come up one needle width when warmed up and it ran fine. The thermostat seal was 37 years old and warped with multiple small openings around the edge and looked like this...

 

I put a proper 185 in it and found it drove better. Was more responsive to throttle input . It's an automatic so is in gear and low RPMs on every start. I found it pulled stronger and smoother around town. Likely the mileage improved a lot as well but I didn't have a base reading to compare it to.

 

 

 

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[Buzzbomb]

I have a Beck Arnley 195 thermostat in my L20B. I put it in when I did my headgasket, as I found it on close out for $1.95 from the place I ordered my HG stuff from. Normal price was $20 or so, I think. It runs better, gets better mileage, warms up faster, AND the heater works A TON better in the Winter. I came from a 180 degree thermostat, and there is a noticeable difference. I leave it in there year-round. It might run a little warm sometimes in the Summer, but I don't overheat. As you stated, it's a worthy change.

[Trophy24]

+ 1 on the correct thermostat makes it run better. A cooler thermostat making more power etc is an old myth.

[datzenmike]

A colder thermostat can reduce preignition or ping so you can run more advance. But the thing is, this isn't really fixing the problem. It's a poor mans 'fix' for another problem.

[ggzilla]

And the radiator is more effective at high coolant temperatures.

 

The only problem is that most 70s cars tend to ping at high temps, so either reduce the advance or lower the temp...