radiator cap/thermostat question

[TommyDodge]

what is the correct pound rating for the radiator cap for my 91 D150?
It has a 318 with air conditioning.
Also what is the temp on the thermostat?
I am replacing the hoses/thermostat/and cap
Thanks

[712edf]

I can't give you a textbook answer, but only what works for me. I generally run a 160 degree thermostat in the winter & sometimes NO thermostat at all in the summer. Realize it regularly hits 100-110 here for weeks at a time in June through August. I have done this on 318's, Ford 4 cyl, Jeep 4.0 HO's, Toyota 22r's, 440's, all without issue.....Also these are all seasoned engines. Running a engine COLD does screw up emissions & increase cylinder wear, but I can't afford & wouldn't own a new vehicle/engine anyways. My old 150k mile engines are wore to begin with. I run the dickens out of them. I'd rather have "potential" increased wear from running them cold, than the more likely issue of burning them up from overheating.

I don't think you would go wrong with a 160 degree thermostat, even year round.

Bucky

[DODGEBOYS]

16 LBs cap and get the good lever lock one / get the middle stat 180*