Quote: A stat does not regulate operating temperatures.. it only regulates when the water starts to circulate..
Sorry but you might want to rethink what you typed there. A thermostat DOES regulate the coolant temp BY letting the water circulate at a set temperature.
I agree with the 160 degree stats aswell. I rather see 160 on the gauge then 190-200. Whenever the tempgauge goes north of 190 on hot days, I'm getting slightly worried if it might go any higher.
The key word there is "operating" temperature.. If your normal operating temperature is 185.. 195.. 205.. or whatever.. Once you reach that temperature, the stat will not make the motor cooler.. with the exception of being a flow restricter to help slow down the rate of water passing thru the radiator..
