How Hot Is Too Hot

[Jim-ME]

I'm about to replace my 170 degree thermostat with a 190 degree thermostat. I run a RN radiator muff in the winter but at what temp should I open the muff up more? Thanks,
Jim

[Myron]

Hey Jim,

I don't know the technical answer to this, but I have a 190 'stat in mine, run with my RN muff all the way buttoned up, and still have trouble getting to temp. Cooper Technica, who built my engine, told me they like to run at about 190.

Hope this helps,

Myron

[Jeff Aronson]

Jim,

I wouldn't run the muff fully closed once the temperature reaches 20, and I'd open it fully above freezing. The engines are slow to warm up, but once they reach temperature, they do hold heat well. That big radiator really does the trick for hot weather but makes a muff handy in colder climes.

Do you have a working temperature gauge?

My experience in Maine is that I must swap out the 190 thermostat for a 170 by May.

Jeff

[Jim-ME]

Yes I have a temp gauge so I'll make sure it doesn't go above 195 or so before I open the muff and I'll switch back to my 170 in May.
Jim

[yorker]

You might not need to swap it out- just keep an eye on your temp gauge- well you are probably doing that anyway if you are a conscientious driver.

[gudjeon]

I run a 195 stat all year round in the 2.25. Never had problem with overheating. :thumb-up:

[Jeff Aronson]

Great observations! The radiator on my II-A is about 10 years old, and I do have the Mt. Mansfield heater, and I do run my idle VERY low. All might ocnspire to force the changeover in thermostats.

Jeff