73 318 , correct thermastat temp?

[mopar73dge]

what is the best temp 180 or 195?

 

[Lelo 500]

Correct would be 180 for that year. Later years used the 195, like the magnum engines.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Incorrect, all factory T-stats were 195*

 

[Lelo 500]

I did not know that.
I stand corrected.

 

[WileE]

Actually both of you are partially right & wrong. Stats were 180 until the emissions controls started in the late 60's, so the temp were increased up to 195. For 73, 195 is correct.

 

[mopar73dge]

Actually both of you are partially right & wrong. Stats were 180 until the emissions controls started in the late 60's, so the temp were increased up to 195. For 73, 195 is correct.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I meant for the year ;)

 

[mopar73dge]

To follow up I did some research I found in a Chiltons manual that the 1973 engines required a 185 t- stat. 1974 and later was a 195, I had purchased a thermostat back in 1988 for my 318, it was a Robert Shaw Controls, all brass 180 that was what they recommended in their book. I just replaced it the other day because it failed and the car ran very hot but did not over heat! This was driving in 95 deg heat to a car show in Granby CT I removed it and it was stuck closed. I tested it in a pan with boiling water, no good. The new one is a premium stant $12.00 and a 180 deg. I flushed the radiator and cleaned the lower portion with a hose it was covered in road / organic debris from years of driving. The condenser had covered it. so I could not see the radiator from the that side. An over due cleaning, everything back together and car runs normal like it has been for over 30 years, gauge shows normal reading, engine is good and hot too. I think the high temp stuck the thermostat closed, the new one is supposed to fail open as stated on the box. new technology...It had run hot last summer so it was failing but never as bad as last week.