Thermostat -- Caravan

Need new thermostat for 86 caravan 2.6 L Mitz. About 50Kmiles on the
motor. New England.
They come in different temp ranges 160, 180, 195 degrees -- what is
the best one to get ?
TIA
Bob
Caravan/Voyager

 

I have had two of these and always ran the 180 degree. This was in upstate
New York and provided plenty of heat in the bitter cold winter driving.

 

195 is the correct rating. A colder thermostat will increase emissions,
hasten oil contamination and reduce fuel economy.

 

Both of our early Caravans (86 & 87) came with and always replaced with 180
and never had any problems.
In fact the dealer one time when questioned about a little better heat if I
switched to a 195 recommended against it in the 2.6 Mitsubishi's due to
their head warping problems (something else I personally never had issue
with).
Never had problem with oil contamination or fuel economy. Can't speak on
emissions as at the time was in upstate NY where testing is not required.

 

Thanks. DS, when you talk about fuel economy, are you referring to
the coolant-temperature-controlled auto choke on the carb? As you
probably know, if the coolant does not heat up, the Mikuni carb on the
Mitz 2.6 continues to run on full choke, which kills any chance of
fuel economy. OR, are you referring to higher temps being generally
more beneficial to combustion and overall engine performance? Or
both.
Fill me in, thanks.
BTW, Autozone web site lists 180 as OEM temp. Do temp requirements
increase with age?
TIA
Bob

 

No, and I may have been incorrect, but you need to check FACTORY
literature rather than depending on the error-riddled catalogues at
Autobone.

 

Thanks. Checked with a dealer parts person, who also owned one of
these cars.
He said only the earliest models used 180.
He was pretty sure the 2.6L engines built after around 9/85 used 195
degree thermostat...
Bob

 

Matches my understanding.

 

DS, thanks.
Scored a 195 and engine runs like a charm, chokes properly and heats
like a furnace.
Bob