Quote:
Originally Posted by winter.k
I have struggled to understand the lower steady-state operating temperature. How does the thermostat opening earlier (@ 160* F) actually lower the steady-state temperature, instead of just delaying it? The cooling system must have the ability to lower the temperature below 160*?
160* thermostat sounds like it has benefits, but what are the drawbacks? I'm sure Porsche didn't select 180* for their operating temp without reason.
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Think of the function of thermostat in your car as similar to the one in your home. It functions as a throttling device which restricts water flow if the coolant is too cool, opens wide if it gets too hot. Can the engine get above 160F? Yes, in fact the "steady state" cruising temp tends to settle in in the low to mid 170F range (which is way below the normal 205-210F with the OEM stat); but if the car gets caught in traffic, it will heat up until the fans kick in; but then when you get moving again, it drops back down to the 170 range.
After years of using them in my personal cars, as well as in customer cars, I have seen no "downsides". If fact, because the coolant also cools the oil in the M96/97, the oil temps tend to run much cooler, which also shows up in UOA's were the oil tends to show slower degradation over usage time.
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