Thermostat temp change

[caddytrac]

Guys, I am in the process of rebuilding my engine in my 2001 sport trac. OEM temp thermostat is 192. When looking up thermostats it gives you an alternative temp of 180. I really like the idea of lowering the engine temp, but I read that the PCM might try to reach 192 by dumping extra fuel into the engine. Is the PCM on the 2001 that smart? Has anyone put a 180 thermostat in and were there any adverse reactions?

Thanks

 

[DILLARD000]

Yep, stock Thermostat is
Ford# 2L2z8575aa\rt1167 or Stant# 13649, Rated 192f 89c, 2i625 Diam, 1i688+1i031 Tall.

Experimented with several ratings down as low as 178f & found anything below ~180f
has been unstable with the ThermoStat opening\closing & temperature swings up\down.
Settled on a Stant# 14748, Rated 183f 84c , 2i740 Diam, 1i130+1i020 Tall
with the LowerByPassDisc Slightly Ground Narrow, so NOT to stick open in the HousingByPassThroat.
Note I've replaced
the junk Plastic TStatHousing with the Aluminum version with a 2piece LowerBody,
& the junk PlasticTanked 2RowCore Radiator with an AllAluminum 4RowCore.

Been running this arrangement almost 2years now with engine varying 183f~188f;
mileage seems to stay around 17mpg +\-1mpg no matter how I drive,
though consider this truck is 4WD with 4.10 Diffs & slightly smaller tires than stock,
so that likely knocks off 1~2mpg. Not much different than when truck was new.
I'm happy engine is running roughly 5f~8f cooler than before
& now never see any temp >188f during the hottest days in stop\go city traffic.

Hope this helps.
More info on above items at links below.
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Coolant_ThermoStathttps://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Coolant_Radiator+Cap