i got a 180 degree thermostat, and i was going to put it on after work today but a buddy told me the truck needs to sit at least overnight to let the coolant get cold enough so it doesn't burn me. also, he said i have to drain the coolant to install it.

so how long does it need to sit for the coolant to be cool enough to do the install, and do i really have to drain the coolant or will it just spill a little?

 

id wait 2-4 hours for it to cool down enough. you dont HAVE to drain it all. its recomended basically just drain enough so it wont pour out of the upper radiator hose. some will spill out when you remove the hose. that should take care of it.

 

When you change your thermostat, it is a perfect time to flush your radiator and change your coolant. You are going to spill coolant changing the thermostat, I don't care how good you are.

 

ok... i went ahead and flushed the system and got the thermostat on, but my truck is still running at like 195, exactly where it was before... can my fans not keep it cooler than that or do you think they ordered me the wrong part or what?

 

thats about where a 180 stat is gonna read.A 195 stat should read about 210.

its gonna be tough to see 15 degress difference on the gauge.

 

You have to remember that a 180 stat is not going to keep your truck at exactly 180 degrees. The same applies with a 160 stat. The reason it is a 180 stat is because at 180 degrees, the thermostat opens up to allow more coolant to flow, thus cooling the engine.

 

Hey will this drop the output temp of my heater if i weas to switch to a 160?

 

yep..quite a bit