Thermo's on 6C's

[Asureyez]

Has any 6C opwners changed their factory thermostats to 180 degree models, and if so did it improve efficiency ? Smoking?
Comments?

 

[Skip]

Chad,
I have followed that discussion at boatdiesel.com for a while. When I had the Cummins tech out to do the valve lash last year I ran it by him and he recommended against it. I've replaced T-Stats on both sides now and stuck with the factory spec 160 degree models. From my perspective, the 160s give me a few seconds reaction time if I suck up a plastic bag or have some other catastrophic cooling system faiure. At 180 degrees you are going to be over 200 degrees mighty quick and that can get expensive. I don't get much smoke at start up; the only time I notice any smoke at all is coming on plane after a long run in a no-wake. In 115 hours usage this year I am around 21.7 GPH average burn, and am pretty happy with that.

I PM'd you with a Q on oil consumption on your C series.

Skip

 

[xplorer]

Chad,

I researched this alot prior to starting our trip because we would spend many many hours at idle or slightly above going through the Erie, Rideau and Trent Severn Canals -- even went so far as to purchase four 180 degree thermostats (remember 2 per engine). My plan was to run the 160s until I noticed some degredation in engine operation and then I'd change to the 180s.

Fact is that in over 2500 miles of operation in the last five months we haven't had a need or desire to change to the 180s. The 6CTA8.3's hummed along at idle or slightly above for 3-5 days in a row in some instances before we could safely run them at normal cruise for 20-30 minutes or more. Canals, the Georgian Bay and North Canal sometimes do not offer long open water runs! There was a little (barely noticeable) longer time to plane out but seldom was there noticeable exhaust while excellerating.

The only additives we use are Marvel Mystery Oil (1 qt per 100 gal of fuel) and Startron (8 oz per 100 gal of fuel). I don't know if these really contribute but it has worked for us over this extended travel period so far.

Mike

Xplorer
SR 450 EB
Currently at Chicago Yacht Club