Caravan Thermostat Question.

I have to replace my thermostat in my 1999 Caravan with the 3.0 V6. Have
about 92,000 miles, so guess it is time since it barely warms up after
driving 10-15 minutes. I am going to buy a Stant thermostat which sells the
195 degree unit like the OEM temp is. They also offer a 180 degree unit. Why
would I want to put in a 180 degree thermostat?

Thanks,
Dan

 

You don't.

 

Install the part that is designed for the vehicle. 195 degree.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

As cars get older and their cooling systems become less efficient
(radiator primarily), people may have a better sense of security by
putting a lower temp thermostat in. It may be of benefit in some
vehicles (like in normal operation if the thermostat partially opens and
modulates to control engine temperature after warmup). It may in some
cases actually help compensate. But if it's not needed, you could be
making the engine run less efficiently, especially if it never gets out
of open loop warmup mode. It might be considered by some to be a
bandaid for a problem that needs to be fixed.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

I imagine it is there to help compennsate for different operating
conditions.

When I used to live on the prairies, the owners manual for may car
said that 10W30 was the recommended oil. However, if you read the fine
print, that was based on "normal" driving conditions! In about
November the outside temp used to go below freezing, and not long
after that was going negative (as in -20 to -30) and staying that way
until April! Under THOSE conditions, the manual recommended 5W30.

So if I had to guess, I would say that the 180 degree thermostat is
probably available for people who commonly live and drive in hotter
climate conditions like the Arizona Desert in the summertime. Under
those conditions, the engine operating at a lower temperature could
extend its life and even prevent "boil overs".

You could always call and ask DC or Stant, but my guess is that the
195 degree thermo is the one to install for the vast majority of
drivers.

 

Wrong. If the cooling system is in proper condition, running a 180°
stat, even out in the low desert where temperatures routinely top
105°F, you'll wind up with higher-than-allowed HC and CO emissions.

I run a 195° thermostat in my 318 and never have overheating
trouble...even with the single row core radiator. This myth comes
from the olden days when people used to run alcohol-based
antifreeze...running a 160° stat in those days would prevent "boil
off" of the alcohol. Anything below 180° on most engine designs also
increases piston/ring wear, as Continental found out in a long term
study done many years ago.

 

Thanks for all your comments. Guess I will be going with the 195 degree
thermostat. The "Mommy Car" sure has not see that temperature for several
months. And it will be nice to have some heat in the van

Dan

 

well dont be surprised when you finally remove it and find it to come out
in peices, and make sure you get out all parts if this is the case.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

you don't it may set a engiune lite on that engine the code would be cold too
long

 

Thanks Glenn,
You are very RIGHT kind sir. I took it out only to find that the thermostat
was broken on one side and bent out. It did not look like it had lost any of
the parts from the unit. The replacement - a Stant - went in and seems to
be working just fine. Although the Stant thermostat looks a little different
from the OEM, with an opening a little smaller than the original. The main
thing is the engine warms up within 5 - 10 minutes. Good thing..... winter
is on it's way to Motown

Dan

 

Happy Motoring

 

A big thumbs up for Glen!!

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')