What's The Optimum Temp?

[jjp]

I have a chev 6.5 non turbo ....I am in calif...

what is the normal operating temp?......what temp t-stat shgould be used?....

thanks

[john8662]

Typically, 195 degree thermostat(s).

Robertshaw or AC-Delco are the only ones that are reliable in these engines.

Your engine temps should right in between the second mark and the 210 mark as far as operating temperature, and pretty stable.

But, this is dependant on a healthy cooling system and the environment where you're operating the truck (what are your temps).

J

[Warren96]

I notice mine gets the best mileage with a 195* thermostat the AC cranking, and the hottest day of the year.That said it, also depends on what you would like to do with it.For example, I never tow with mine, but some members tow some serious loads here on the "Page''.They mostly use lower temp stats like 185*

[Bnave95]

When I did the cooling mod's,I went with the 180's. Then it was said a concern about to much cooling/heat cycling. Ran 180's for years and then installed 195's for I'm not towing heaving any more. Eng. at opt. temp's does run smoother. Dash gauge says 210* though Inferred gun at crossover says 195 and lower at times before Tstats. Heat cycling could be hard on head gaskets.