| joe b | -- 09-15-2011 @ 8:02 AM |
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Here is something I have not understood. My '41 has 165 degree thermostats but in the cooler weather the temp never gets above 140 while driving. Sitting at idle for a while it gets to 180. I have put different temp. thermostats in over the years ranging from 190 to 165 degrees. Some years ago I found the thermostats cocked in the radiator hoses. I cut a thin piece of PVC pipe and installed it in the hose above the thermostat to prevent the cocking and it works. Anyway, shouldn't the temp get up to 165 in cooler weather? Why does it not get up to 165? I know back in the day we used to put a 1/2 sheet of cardboard in front of the radiator in winter for heating.
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| J.A.Miller | -- 09-15-2011 @ 8:49 AM |
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If you have a Flatty that runs cool you should be happy! That said, did it always run cooler with the other t-stats you've had in it? What type of temperature gauge do you have?
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| supereal | -- 09-15-2011 @ 9:46 AM |
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Check the stats by placing them in a pan of water on the stove, along with a candy thermometer, or other type, that registers at least 200 degrees. With the burner on, watch both the stats and the thermometer to see when they open. Temp ratings on stats are often incorrect when compared with the "real world". Check the temp of the coolant with a thermometer in the radiator filler to compare where the gauge reads. Gauges are not precision instruments, and can vary widely. The Ford system monitors only the side with the single terminal sender. The two terminal side operates to open only when the coolant reaches the boiling point. To secure the stats in the upper hoses, place an additional hose clamp on the outside of each hose to hold the rim of the stat in place. Also, be sure you have the bellows part of the stats facing the engine, not the radiator, or the opening temperature will be affected.
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| joe b | -- 09-15-2011 @ 10:46 AM |
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I have a mechanical Stewart Warner temp gauge. I have also tested all the different thermostats in hot water against the coolant temp. The thermostats have "to engine" or similar markings, so I know they are oriented. J.A., I am not complaining by any means. Just curious.
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| 51f1 | -- 09-15-2011 @ 12:45 PM |
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I have a later model Flathead (8RT) that runs great temperature-wise, but it will easily get up to 165 any day of the year. If your temperature does not get up to 165 F., there is something wrong with what you are measuring your temperature with. There's no standard Flathead in the world that will operate below 165. Get another temperature gauge and check yours against it. Usually the cheapest temperature gauge you can buy will do. Richard This message was edited by 51f1 on 9-15-11 @ 12:45 PM
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| TomO | -- 09-15-2011 @ 1:46 PM |
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Do you have the 37-48 thermostats or the 49-53 thermostats? The 49-53 thermostats just fit the top of the outlet and the earlier ones completely cover the opening. The 37-48 thermostats should not tip in the hoses, but the 49-53 will. The later thermostats will not completely block off the opening and will allow the coolant to circulate when closed. Tom
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| supereal | -- 09-15-2011 @ 1:50 PM |
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I suspect that 99% of all V8'ers wish they had that problem. The old car hobby really isn't ideal for those who obsess easily. These old machines are tough, as proved by surviving for decades, often with minimum service. "Idiot lights" and gauges without numbers have become the norm today to lighten the load of trying to decipher engine indications. If you see smoke or steam, you've got a problem. Otherwise. sit back and have fun!
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| joe b | -- 09-16-2011 @ 6:22 AM |
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Thanks everyone for the responses and ideas. I'll do some temp checking etc. and report back
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| J.A.Miller | -- 09-16-2011 @ 6:43 AM |
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I bought a infared thermometer last year and they are nice for sorting out cooling problems. You just aim the laser dot at what you want to check and it gives you a reading. You can check upper and lower radiator tank temps, water pump temps, head temps etc, doing no more than pointing and clicking. Gives you a lot of info without even turning a wrench. They are pretty cheap too, mine was like $30.
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| doning | -- 09-16-2011 @ 9:05 AM |
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Since we are on the subject of engine operating temps, I have 160 deg. thermostats in my 85 HP 1937 Ford. On a nice day the car will be around 160 when going right along. If I'm at a light or waiting on traffic the temp will climb pretty rapidly almost to around 200 but as soon I start moving along again the temp drops rapidly too. Any concern?
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| supereal | -- 09-16-2011 @ 10:23 AM |
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That's normal. The thermostats can only stem the coolant flow until they open. After that, the job is taken over by circulation of the coolant and radiator. The thermostats do provide a slight bit of back pressure in the system. That lessens the formation of steam in the engine. Any vapor in the block or heads lessens the cooling considerably. There are "water wetters" which reduce surface tension of the coolant that do the same thing.
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| doning | -- 09-16-2011 @ 3:25 PM |
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Thanks super.
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