Cool/Heat: 50 Champion thermostat

[maximus7001]

What is the proper temperature for the thermostat in a 1950 Champion? My available options here are 160f and 180f. What did the car come with when new?

[Jeffry Cassel]

160 degrees. 180 is a 'winter' thermostat.

[yeroldad]

160 is too low, antiquated, for any time. Minimum is at least an 180 degree. Motors that run at 160 will allow sludge to build up because there is not enough heat to burn it off.

[StudeRich]

To answer your question, most Cars came with a 170 Degree Thermostat to be a compromise between North (180) and South (160) Climates, and Winter/Summer weather.

[maximus7001]

Ok 180f it is then. The temp gauge seems to not be working so I want to change the thermostat just to be safe(r). Only 4000 miles since 1974 and it has the wrong rad cap so who knows how old the thermostat is.

[Bud]

I would recommend using a 180 degree thermostat. If the cooling system is in good shape, the engine will not run hot. If the cooling system is plugged with crud, it doesn't matter what temperature thermostat you use, it's likely the engine will still run hot. I like to use a higher temperature thermostat because it will bring the temperature of the oil up high enough to vaporize things like moisture and by products of combustion keeping the engine internals cleaner.