Topic: Thermostats ~ Robert Shewman's in V8 Times ? ?

ersatz	-- 02-14-2013 @ 2:13 PM
	Guess I should have placed my question on this part of the Forum. However, I placed it in the General Truck Discussion. At least the chances for more input is doubled. In the most recent V8 Times I noticed 2 places where Robert Shewman's NEW THERMOSTATS were advertised....pages 71 & 107. Has anyone purchased these and do they work ? ? ?
Old Henry	-- 02-14-2013 @ 8:34 PM
	I think a few on the Ford Barn swear by them. Might post your question there to get more responses. I got one PM from a member there a while back telling of his nightmare installing the things. Haven't tried 'em myself but am thinking about it. My main hesitancy is that they are only made in 180 deg., not the 160 Ford recommends for my '47. Old Henry (The older I get, the better old looks.)
supereal	-- 02-15-2013 @ 10:40 AM
	If you are running thermostats at all, I agree with OH that 160 degrees is the best choice. I don't know anything about Mr. Shewman, but carb spacers and check valve flex hoses would seem to be cures in search of problems.
ersatz	-- 02-15-2013 @ 3:14 PM
	Well, Old Henry, I took your advice and did a search on the Old Barn. Came up with both positive & negative reviews. So, this is something I must give some more deep thought to.
Old Henry	-- 02-15-2013 @ 9:36 PM
	The only reason I am even considering them is because I ultimately had to remove my thermostats to quit overheating on my Rocky Mountain National Park trip last fall http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83966 so the stock thermostats now made do seem to restrict coolant flow enough to make a difference leaving me with the option to either remove my thermostats in the summer for strenuous road trips (over 12,000 feet or over 100°) or put in Shewman's that are supposed to be "full flow." I'm still hesitant because they would keep my engine at 180° both summer and winter. That seems a bit hot to me. I just did a 500 mile road trip down to 16° and my 160° stats roasted us out plenty. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97822 I'm interested in other's reviews of Shewman's stats. I didn't see your question on the Ford Barn. You said the "Old Barn." Is that something different? Can you post a link to the discussion so I can learn what you learned? Thanks. Old Henry (The older I get, the better old looks.) This message was edited by Old Henry on 2-16-13 @ 2:00 PM
ersatz	-- 02-16-2013 @ 3:42 PM
	Hello Again, Old Henry! Yes, I meant The Ford Barn instead of Old Barn. I guess age is taking its toll little by little. I didn't post my question on FB, but instead did searches using the terms "thermostat", and "Shewman's Thermostat". Sorry I can't give you a specific link.
Old Henry	-- 02-16-2013 @ 7:09 PM
	Thanks. I'm familiar with all of those - read them when they were first posted and just read them all again. I'm still not convinced but may yet be. Old Henry (The older I get, the better old looks.) This message was edited by Old Henry on 2-16-13 @ 7:10 PM
supereal	-- 02-16-2013 @ 7:41 PM
	All thermostats restrict flow due to the placing of the mechanism in the hoses. Two facts impact cooling. The use of antifreeze reduces heat transfer by as much as 30-40 percent, depending on the concentration of the type used. All old engines have an internal coating of lime from water over the years. This material is an insulator, even when as thin as a coat of paint. The "bottom line" is that overheating, more or or less, is built in to our old cars. The design of the Ford V8, with the exhaust routed down through the water jacket acts as a very effective water heater. You can offset this somewhat by installing the new, increased flow water pumps, and by recoring or replacng the radiator. Beyond that, any claims of revolutionary improvements or cures should be viewed with great skepticism, unless backed by independent testing.

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