When changing my t-stat the other day I noticed that inside of the housing (on my '92 SE) there'* an odd configuration inside the engine head that is situated directly in the middle of where the copper pellet descend that comes up like a small step. Not sure if this is normal in all 3.8 VIN L engines or not.

Looking more closely I noticed that because this little section is way too high on the housing floor, the pellet hits which can and might harm the pellet itself. I had a 180 Robertshaw which ran just as hot as a 195 even while cruisng on the highway. After I took it out I could easily see the slight impact marks of where the copper pellet forced down against the hot housing floor before a full open stroke was achieved.

This problem is most obvious on Robertshaw and Stant Superstat models since they tend to be longer in the spring and strut, so I use a standard Stant purchased at NAPA - it'* a good 1/4 inch shorter in design and makes a big difference overall.

Is it a 180 still? I recently put a 180 Superstat in and the gauge reads just below 200. I figured it should read lower, maybe I was right.

Normal operating temps on my car with the extra tranny cooler and 180 stat are about 195 on a good warm day. That sounds about right. A 180 will NOT make you run 180, but will make you run cooler than the 195 did.

Can we get some pics of that obstruction? I'll pay for the gasket!

The 160 I used to have with the Hypertech ran just above the 150 mark. Maybe the gauge isn't perfect.

You folks might want to check your radiator fluid to see how old it is. When I had my 195 in my car always ran at 195 and now that the 180 is in it only runs at 180. Also maybe your gauges are screwed up... or mine

My fluid is less than 1-1/2 years old.