I think I'm running a 160 thermostat? Temp gauge goes up to and stays at about 160. Only goes up higher if I idle for too long. Would it be beneficial to change it to 195? Or would my jeep start to overheat because it goes past the 160 mark if I idle for about 10min. I want to change it to 195 but if my jeep is having trouble keeping it 160 would it have trouble keeping it at 195?

 

You need to be running a mopar 195* stat.

if you're having overheating issues, a lower temp stat will not fix it. Having the proper stat installed is the first step in diagnosing any heating issues. Head to the dealership and grab you one. They're pretty cheap.

 

You might just have an open thermostat. Have you ever changed the thermostat or overheated?

 

If your system is in good shape switching to a 195 should have no adverse affects. When the engine is idling the temp will creep up a little naturally because there isn't as much air going through the radiator. You should be fine with a 195.

 

My guess would be this. Most non-Mopar thermostats are crap and will stick open in short order if not out of the box. Go with a 195 Mopar only.

 

Jeep has never overheated and I've never changed it before. It could be 160 in there or not have one at all. I picked one up at Napa (195) and plan on changing it soon. I'm just debating on whether to change it at all since my jeep runs great at only 137k. Sometimes with the 160 thermostat, it can creep all the way up to 180, 200ish in the summer.

 

The jeep should be at 210 all the time. If not the computer is adjusting the mixture to bring the temp up by adding fuel.

 

I think the computer goes into closed loop at like 100. At least mine does.

 

That's what I thought too. I'll change it this weekend and let you guys know. I just hope it doesn't creep 40 degrees over 195 like it creeps 40 degrees over 160 with a 160 thermostat. Guess I'll find out...

 

Sounds like how my Jeep was with an open 195 thermostat. I'm leaning more towards having a failed/open thermostat than a 160 one. PO probably over heated it and never changed it out.

 

It probably does. In closed loop it uses all the sensors to adjust the mixture. If the engine temps is too low it will try to bring it up with more fuel.

 

It's a slippery slope when running a thermostat rated at 160. The water temperature may be 160, but what is the true engine temperature? The water may circulate through the engine too fast to absorb the heat and you may actually be running hotter than you think. It's kinda like a hot frying pan. You can touch it bare handed quickly without burning yourself, but rest your hand on it long enough to absorb the heat and you will get burned pretty badly.

 

That wouldn't happen, or the exact same thing would happen when the 195 thermostat opens. Without a thermostat that is entirely possible, but with one no matter the temp that is not a concern.

 

No, it would happen at 160 instead of 195.

 

It would not happen at all. A wide open thermostat restricts the flow enough that it cannot happen. That's why the restrictor plate installed in race engines are the same size orifice as the thermostat.