thermostat replacement

[pdoan_98]

Can anybody explain to me the pro's and con's of a lower temperature thermostat?

Please and thank you.

[Ryan]

The thermostat is a wax valve. It opens when the wax melts. The opening temperature of the thermostat is changed by changing this wax.

A lower temperature thermostat will open at a lower temperature.

A higher temperature thermostat will open at a higher temperature.

The idea is to set a threshold temperature for the cooling system and what temperature your engine operates at. For super hot climates you would desire a lower temperature thermostat, for winters where you'd want to use the heater a lot, you'd want a hotter one.

The B6 (since you're in the 4 cyl forum) is a severely overcooled engine. I had never managed to get my temp needle to move, even when riding it hard. Come to think of it, the K8 was the same way.

Either way, you don't really need to be concerned unless you're working with a severe climate, or race a bunch.

[Josh]

Many say not to change the thermomstat temp because if the ecu and temp sensors. But I would if I was in the mid west rite now with the + 100deg temps. I went 10deg cooler when I turbocharged.