Thermostat Selection

Kajun · May 10, 2010

Folks:

Radiator for my IH 444 diesel recently recored. Radiator mechanic proudly tells me that he has increased the capacity of the radiator by his recore and "she'll never overheat again ". I ask if I need hotter thermostat since this is diesel engine and needs to run hot. He replied negatively. Capacity now 12 quarts instead of 10.

Under heavy and extended load , engine does run cooler. But it was cool in La. over the weekend.

Do I need hotter thermostat or not ? If so how much hotter.

Thanks-- Kajun

old · May 10, 2010

Hotter one no because if you have the correct one in then it will still run at the same heat if the thermostat is doing it job.
Just to compare your question to some other way of thinking. If you install an A-C unit in your home that is twice as big as what you had last year do you need to set your thermostat lower to get the same cooling effect?? No works the same with that thermostat in your tractor

Anonymous-0 · May 10, 2010

You don't need to change the thermostat but going to a hotter one doesn't hurt either. An MF mechanic said it wouldn't be a bad idea to run a 190 thermostat on a diesel and that's what I've run for years with no problems at all, even on hot days working the tractor hard. Dave

Anonymous-0 · May 10, 2010

the purpose of any thermosat is to keep the engine at a stable temp,, 180-190 is good for low pressure radiators.

Kajun · May 10, 2010

Guys:

Thanks for insight. I guess I was confusing something I read somewhere on being able to step-up the heat by installing a higher temp thermostat. But Old is right. Once the thermostat opens the system will simply see the fluid throughout .

So two final questions for you fellows: (i)should a diesel operate at a specific range for efficiency and (ii) where does one usually find the temp rating on a thermostat?

Obliged x2

guido · May 10, 2010

Hello Kajun,
Just by size the 20% larger radiator may give you a 20% reduction in temeperature.
But there are many components in the cooling system that can effect operating engine temperature. Water pump, the belt, cooling fan, radiator shroud, air speed over the radiator, radiator cap pressure, water antifreeze ratio.
If the engine is operating at the same temperature as before, then all is well.
If its not getting at least to 180 Degrees F.
You should get a hotter thermostat.
Cold engines do not burn the fuel as efficiently as a normally hot engine, gas or diesel.
Guido.

Anonymous-0 · May 10, 2010

Even new vehicles are coming with hotter thermostats. The T stat. may say what temp. it is on it and if not you can check it with a thermometer in boiling water. Dave

guido · May 13, 2010

Hello old,
Twice as big?I bet you it will bring the temperature down mighty quick! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Guido.

Thermostat Selection

Kajun

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old

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Kajun

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guido

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Anonymous-0

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guido

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