[V8] RE: Colder Thermostat?/Starter Saga

[Jeremy Ward]

I had an occasional problem with mine starting when I first got it. It ended 
up being the gear selector (looked like it was in Park, but the Reverse 
segment was lit up on the dash), however it always started when I took it 
out of "Park" and put it back into Park. The multi function switch (?) was 
off just slightly and caused this problem, which was fixed when I had the 
transmission overhauled (for $4k they adjusted it perfectly!)
 YRMV,
 - Jeremy

 On 7/6/05, Stafford, Kenneth A. <stafford at wpi.edu> wrote: 
> 
> Dave,
> 
> Certainly YMMV, but my V8 thermostat failed in the open position--it would
> take 20 minutes of driving to get any heat during the winter. I replaced
> with a std 87 C t-stat and have been very pleased since. My mileage went 
> up
> (maybe not in summer but certainly in winter), the cold weather surging
> diminished, and the "hold-hold-hold-second-gear" habit became much less
> bothersome.
> 
> BTW, a lot of discussion about the proper operating temps... The '91
> driver's manual clearly says not to be concerned if the temp gage goes to 
> the
> right of the center during slow, hot driving sequences. In fact it says as
> long as the overheat warning does not go on, you ought not be concerned. A
> properly operating t-stat should never limit your ultimate cooling 
> capability
> (once fully opened--say at 100C--an 87C t-stat should pass the same water 
> as
> an 80C t-stat.
> 
> Different topic. After replacing the starter motor and solenoid (twice), I
> have defined my starting problem further. I apparently have an 
> intermittent
> problem with the trigger signal (input to solenoid). Tracking the wiring
> diagrams, I see that this signal goes through the ignition switch then
> through the transmission interlock solenoid. Anybody have a BTDT to help 
> me
> find the most likely problem location? The symptoms: either starts
> instantly or no engine turn at all. When in the latter mode, you can hear
> the transmission interlock clicking and a slight clicking at the starter
> solenoid. It is apparently a high impedance connection somewhere as I see 
> 12
> V at the disconnected trigger wire when the ignition switch is turned but 
> it
> drops to 8 V when attached to the solenoid. I am currently starting the 
> car
> by an under-hood jumper from the solenoid trigger wire to the 12V post on 
> the
> passenger fender.
> 
> Ken
> '91 V8Q
> 
> >
> > My thermostat failed on my explorer last week (out in the
> > desert, pulling the trailer of course).
> > It turned out that it was physically broken for a long time
> > (as evidenced by deep wear marks) and recently just siezed
> > up. I have come to realize that this motor has been running
> > on the hot side for the 15K miles that I have owned it.
> > (it is at about 90K miles now) I went with a new 180F degree
> > (cold) vs the stock 195F thermostat and am seeing a pretty
> > big jump in gas mileage (from 14 to 17) when towing my
> > trailer. Now I am wondering if a colder thermostat would help the V8?
> >
> >
> > Dave
> >
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