PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: ToniJ1960 on September 21, 2011, 06:33:17 PM
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Well my Pinto is running pretty hot,and Im sure its the cause of the preignition I noticed recently.I have always used the same 89 octane BP gas for the last 5 or 6 months now. The only thing I did recently was replace a leaky power valve in the carb. So I was suspecting a lean mixture,but Im wondering,since it overheats in such a short time as it does ( even a 2 mile trip), if I may need a new thermostat. It sounds like it should be pretty easy to change.
Maybe theres some tricky part to getting the gasket right,I should be aware of? I noticed there are gaskets that cost $1 and one that costs $6.99 maybe its uncalled for and the cheapo one is fine?
What temp thermostat is good for the 2.3 with a 4 speed? I saw 160 degree,180,190,192,195 and 199. My guess would be 180.
It probably is a good idea to replace it either way,it hasnt been changed since 1988.
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It depends on where you live.
If you expect to experience any weather below 40 degrees I would go with the 192 F degree thermostat. The 192 F also works well in warm weather with a properly maintained cooling system.
If you were always in Los Angeles, Vegas, or Florida then 180 F would be good.
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It definitely gets below 40 in St Louis during the winter :)
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So would it hurt to just leave the thermostat gasket alone as long as its sealing ? And not risk starting a leak trying to change it?
How likely is a thermostat to stick in the closed position?
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A sticking stat depends on how old it is, how it was installed, and sometimes the brand. Those are all from experience with t-stats.
I have to change mine out and usually one of the $1.00 gaskets work fine for me, namely Felpro brand ones.
I have to change mine out, as well as my water pump gasket, due to them leaking a bit and it's been few years since I changed my t-stat.
Also, I run a 192 in my 2.3l. I'm in Idaho and during the summer it can get a little over 100 degrees but recently it's been getting to mid 80s as high and below 40 at night (when I do most of my driving).
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Its pretty similar weather here. I think tomorrow,before I drive anywhere,since its the only car I have to drive right now,I might just take the thermostat out and drive it that way as a test,and to go get the new parts.
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That should be fine, as long as it doesn't get TOO cold out, you want the motor to warm up to SOME.
I was going to pull mine but I might as well just change it all out while I'm in there since I need to change my coolant and t-stat anyway.
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I have read that the 2.3 motor like and runs better with the hotter 192 thermo... ?
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Im not sure now that its the thermostat. It overheats in a short trip 2 or 3 miles. If I remove the radiator cap (theres no pressure in the top hose) I see steam coming up,but dont see any water moving or churning.Now if the thermostat was stuck closed, would I still see steam from the water in the radiator?
Maybe its the water pump? The belts arent super tight but the fan is turning fine.And no charging issues.
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Ok I took the car in to be checked,they did a pressure test and now at least,its leaking from the radiator.I never had any fluid loss so I dont think it was leaking.And would it still overheat even if it still had plenty of fluid? It was steaming when I got home,but still full to the top.
Ordered a new radiator,but I feel as if its still going to be right back where I was,and out there $40 plus a new radiator.