QuestionQUESTION: 1995 sidekick jx 16 valve 5 speed. 219k.
we have a 92 tracker 2 door 8valve 5 speed as well.
Our 92 has burning your skin type heat coming from dash vents, but on my 95 the one that gets used for paper delivery windows down has heat thats at least 20-30 degrees cooler. Just installed a new thermo 2 months ago, then had to replace a leaking radiator (used). I flushed the system and back flushed the heater core with water when I did the thermo. I checked to make sure radiator was clean before install. But since the new radiator it seems like my cabin heat is lower. no leaks, not loosing any fluid and the level seems good. Pressure in all hoses, but only warm to touch not hot, even after driving 3 hours. I did check my thermo on the stove by placing in water with a thermometer and it opened closed right around the prop temp, but I only checked it once, so I'm not sure if it is continually opening /closing .
Could I increase heat by blocking radiator or should I purchase higher temp thermo?
I am driving in 13 degree weather, but worried next week they are projecting single digits and my feet are killing me now from the cold.
ANSWER: I live in the high Colorado Rocky mountains where -15F is not at all unusual. I had to look, but got a 210F thermostat. It was worth the trouble.
scotty
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: after finding a 195 thermo for winter I came apon a 160 would this be better than 180 for summer delivery temps
ANSWER: The factory reccomends 195 for all seasons. Look around, and have your parts store check, I only had to wait a couple days to get a 205.
scotty
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: last question on this,
you said the factory recomends a 195 for all seasons but when I called to get a new one the parts place automatically quoted me for a 180 as a replacement, Idid not know that you could even go higher or lower until you told me.
but if a 195 or 205 are better for winter wouldnt the 160 be better for summer, especially doing start stop deliveries?
thank you scotty.
AnswerNO. A lower temp thermostat will deliver lower fuel mileage (slightly), and will increase wear rates(slightly). The "summer thermostat" is from the fifties, when vapor lock of block mounted fuel pumps and other issues were germane. None of that is pertinent now. There's no earthly reason not to run a 195 year round.
The parts place is NOT the factory, and the counter guy is not necessarily mechanically or technically knowledgeable.
scotty
