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Discussion Topic:
Thermostats or no thermostats
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35gal |
01-13-2010 @ 7:02 AM
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Posts: 66
Joined: Jan 2010
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I know this question has been asked many times but I’m new to this message board so here it is. Does the early flathead motor (21 stud) run cooler with the inline thermostats removed. If yes, than why did Ford installed them in all their cars.
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johnpoly |
01-13-2010 @ 9:01 AM
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when I got my '36 21 stud car over 10 years ago it would boil over on hot days. It had no t-stats. I installed t-stats and found that on 90 degree days the temp gauge would lock in at about 200 degrees with no boil over. I am about to install Skip Haney's radiator control unit which calls for eliminating the t-stats. The unit is designed to run the engine cooler. Good luck.
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supereal |
01-13-2010 @ 9:33 AM
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The purpose of thermostats is to control coolant flow to allow engine warmup to happen quickly to improve driveabilty after a cold start. There is an "urban legend" that refuses to die claiming that slowing down coolant circulation "gives it time to absorb heat". Not true. It only increases the load on the radiator, which has a limit on its ability to transfer heat to the air. When a thermostat in proper condition reaches the rated temperature, it should be fully open, and not restricting flow beyond the physical structure of the stat. Running without stats allows full flow, and the best efficiency, with some loss of performance until the engine reaches operating temperature. For most applications 160 degree stats are the best choice. If your engine tends to overheat, run without them. There was a recent article saying that the cure for overheating is to install 200 degree stats! It must have been a joke. Maximum circulation equals maximum cooling.
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Dave D |
01-17-2010 @ 12:08 AM
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quote:
Running without stats allows full flow, and the best efficiency, with some loss of performance until the engine reaches operating temperature.
And yet EVERY car manufacturer IN THE WORLD puts thermostats in their cars, and always has. I guess they do it just to waste a few bucks.
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51f1 |
01-17-2010 @ 12:49 AM
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Didn't we just have this discussiuon? Repeating what I said before: Why do you leave out the thermostat? The thermostat serves the purpose of regulating your coolant temperature and accelerating warm-up. Leaving it out makes no sense. The guys who designed your engine knew what they were doing. If your engine doesn't cool with a thermostat in it, find out why, and fix the problem.
Richard
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flathead4rd |
01-17-2010 @ 6:34 AM
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New Member
Posts: 169
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Like Supereal says, once the engine comes up to operating temperature the thermostat is no longer needed. It's just there waiting for the next cold start.
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supereal |
01-17-2010 @ 10:00 AM
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It must be remembered that the cooling system is in a steady process of degrading from the first use, due to the coating of the interior with lime, etc, and the fins lose contact with the tubes due to vibration. When the efficiency of the radiator declines to a point where it can't handle the load, often removing the thermostats can enhance the flow enough to prolong the life. Same is true of the turbine-style water pumps. Eventually, radiator replacement is the only reliable "fix" that will allow reliable use of your old car, now that radiator shops have largely disappeared.
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wpfordt |
01-22-2010 @ 1:01 PM
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I inherited a 36 Phaeton a couple of years ago. It always overheated in the summer, especially during parades, etc. Last summer, I added a 2nd slimline fan in front of the radiator with a toggle switch under the dash for overheating emergencies. (It helped.) At the same time, I also had to install two new radiator inlet hoses w/o thermostats (where they are located on a 36), re-filled the cooling system with just water (was told it would help), and it ran much cooler the rest of the year. Added anti-freeze for the winter, and am now wondering if I should find two hose/thermostats this year and install??? Mac's and C&G do not carry item. After reading the replies to the initial question, am wondering if I should forget the thermostats??? Thanks!
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wpfordt |
01-22-2010 @ 1:03 PM
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I meant to ask everyone, do you know where I could buy hose/thermostats for a 36 Ford if I do decide to install them? Thanks!!
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51f1 |
01-22-2010 @ 1:14 PM
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Senior
Posts: 573
Joined: Oct 2009
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Instead of leaving out the thermostats and antifreeze, I'd find out what the problem is and fix it. It was pointed out above that every car manufactured uses thermostats. There is a reason for it. My flathead has thermostats and antifreeze (and stock water pumps) and never overheats even in the the summer in Georgia where temperatures reach 100 degrees or more. It's because I have a clean cooling system and the engine is tuned properly. Ford could not have stayed in business selling cars and trucks that overheated.
Richard
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