I usually only get 22-23 mixed MPG. Talking to my grandpa suggested I need a higher temp thermostat. Factory is a 170 but he said go with the 192, I'm looking to make this car last a while and wonder how that will effect the reliability of the motor overtime. I could also go with a 180. He thinks its the thermostat because when my 4 banger idles with the heat on high the water temp slowly goes down. Any input?

 

Your grandpa might be correct -- your factory thermostat might be shot. A 170 or 180 would seem safer than anything higher.

But do you think that a thermostat would make a great deal of difference for your MPG? -- which does not seem too bad to me.

 

Your gas mileage could be better. If you have a bad thermostat and your car isn't allowed to warm up properly, you certainly will get less MPG. There are several things that rely on the car to be warmed up, for it to function. One important one is the torque converter, which is part of the transmission. When that locks up on the highway, you get lower RPM which I would assume result in better gas milage.

What makes you suspect the thermostat aside from bad gas mileage?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gulfview &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your grandpa might be correct -- your factory thermostat might be shot. A 170 or 180 would seem safer than anything higher.

But do you think that a thermostat would make a great deal of difference for your MPG? -- which does not seem too bad to me.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i've read that a thermostat thats not working right can f up your gas mileage up to like 30% or something.

 

The thing wear my car can't produce enough heat to keep the heat up when standing still.

My coolant is also really green and in great shape so thats not a factor.