Thermostat 88 or 92?

[Bob Meadows]

What is the recommended thermostat temperature for a Volvo 240 1988 estate 2.0L Petrol
The engine is the B200E (UK car)

87 & 92 deg. are listed so a bit vague (I need a replacement prior to changing)
Thanks Bob

[baggy798]

92 for non turbos, unless you live in dubai.

[Antz]

87 always. Nothing wrong with running the lower one. Why anyone would run a 92 when the 87 exists is beyond me.

[Bob Meadows]

Still clear as mud! But thanks you for the advice anyway: ~

I will probably open the existing & replace like for like once viewed.
Regards Bob

[volvo always]

Bought an 87 one for my 1989 240GLT and the old one was an 87.

I personally would always prefer the 88 one as operating not as hot puts less stress on the head etc.

James

[Nicholas Lewin]

Hi Bob - as I understand it, the hotter the engine runs, the more fuel efficient it is...

...but the less margin for error that you have with your cooling system. 92 in winter and 88 in summer? Not very realistic

I've converted my 240 to electric cooling (removing the viscous cooling fan) and on a hot day with naff North Circular traffic discovered that the cooling fan was going to need a higher rated MCB supplying it - never overheated, but got close. The car currently has a 92 degree thermostat fitted

I bought an 88 degree one and was all set to fit it, but you know what? I've upped the MCB, I'm going to make some other changes relating to how the fan draws air (to make it better), but I am not fitting the 88 degree thermostat just yet. If I get another heat management problem this summer, then I will consider it

As you suggested and James said, swapping like for like makes sense and the general state of your engine and/or cooling system might also guide you

Also! Does 4 degrees of heat make that much difference? I don't know. Good luck

Nick

[Bob Meadows]

Thanks Nicholas:~ I have spare that was purchased with parts some time back so I have found that tonight (looks new & complete with gasket) it is 88deg.
Also tested it.
Will go for that at this stage but it will confirmed once the one in use has been taken out.
Regards Bob

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

I put an 88 into my 740 which has an electric fan conversion and the only time it sees running temp is when it's sitting in traffic or the heater is off, would recommend the 92. At that temp what difference is 4 going to make anyway. The system is designed to stop the water boiling by keeping it under pressure, the thermostat only determines how warm the heater is.

[morsing]

Why anyone would run 88 when there's a 92 is beyond me...

92 gives you better fuel economy and better indoor heater in the winter. Also, you need to get to at least 120 before heads are affected, I'm sure, 92 certainly won't do anything.

Modern cars have 102 thermostats for a reason...

[Clifford Pope]

I agree, assuming the radiator is in new condition. In my experience all radiators slowly become restricted, even if you use the correct inhibitor, flush them and replace the coolant every 2 years.
But they slowly become less efficient at dissipating heat, and it's on a hot day in a traffic jam with a 92 degree thermostat that you first notice that the temperature gauge is beginning to climb worryingly.