Which thermostat?

[herculesinwyoming]

I want to replace the thermostat on my 620 truck with the l20 engine,

i dont know which temperature to buy, the local store has them from 160 to 190 degrees.

I do live in wyoming where the weather gets pretty darn cold if that is a factor for chooseing.

[Eagle_Adam]

i just did mine, i believe the minimum operating temp is 170 - i got a 180 - whatever you do don't buy a cheap one. I did and i got stuck open right after install <_<

[herculesinwyoming]

Thanks, is there a brand you reccomend? Rock auto has a whole variety listed.

The orielly store here has only one brand and its a nama i am not familiar with.

[metalmonkey47]

Go get one from Nissan. I use the 192. Payer 20 bux for it

[herculesinwyoming]

the nearest nissan dealer is at least 150 miles away from here. maybe i can call them and have it shipped.

[Eagle_Adam]

i didn't go with a Nissan one (although it sounds like a better option now) i ended up with Japanese made one that was $4 more than the first one that got stuck open.

[Laecaon]

I went with a stant, cuz well I have had only good experiences with them. I currently have a 195 in my car, but can tell it is too warm for a summer day already. I would suggest a 180 for year round use.

[MicroMachinery]

If you go to Napa, they have the "Altrom" import line. I bought one and it ended up being a TAMA(OEM minus the $15 up-charge on the Nissan Box).

[MikeRL411]

I used to use Stant but lately I don't know where they are being made. The temperature calibration began to slip, 180 degree thermostats not even beginning to open until 198 degrees when tested in hot water bath. I buy 180 degree NAPA "70", bar code 0 23644 00070 0, they are very accurate, made in USA by Standard-Thompson Waltham Mass, and are stainless steel and brass construction. This is a 54 mm unit and should fit.

[Laecaon]

Hmm, well yes, always stove check your thermostat. My 195 came opened at 192. I was happy enough. At least it opens and closes everytime.

[herculesinwyoming]

Thanks for the good info. I am changing mine because it is the same one that was in the truck when they parked it back in 1989

[ggzilla]

For Wyoming, i'd go with the 190. The engine doesn't care how hot it runs (as long as it doesn't boil), but you'll enjoy the extra temp from the heater.

[Buzzbomb]

For Wyoming, i'd go with the 190. The engine doesn't care how hot it runs (as long as it doesn't boil), but you'll enjoy the extra temp from the heater.

 

^ What he said..I switched my truck to a 195 Beck Arnley, and the difference when using the heater is like night and day. It works great, and contrary to popular belief, does NOT run hotter in the Summer time.

[ggzilla]

That's right, it will still be 195 in the summer time, because the hotter the coolant, the more quickly the radiator will shed it. A marginal radiator that struggles to maintain 170 can sometimes work fine at 190.

 

But then again it's still 195 in summer time, and many Datsun heaters never quite shut the heat off ...