1961 - 160 or 180 thermostat for Florida
08-19-2014, 10:37 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
1961 - 160 or 180 thermostat for Florida
Local guys say to run a 160 degree thermostat in my 2x4 283. But I've gotten some feedback from a vendor that 160 is too low (oil will get sludge, etc.).
Thoughts? Experiences?
Thoughts? Experiences?
08-19-2014, 10:46 AM
#2
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
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160 here (since 2005 in FL, and since 1999 in IL). No sludge ever........
Thermostat temp. is the minimum the engine will run (once the engine warms up).
With today's "gasoline" here in FL, you will want the cooler opening temp. to help with controlling percolation (amongst other reasons)
And cue the "hate" posts..........
Plasticman
Thermostat temp. is the minimum the engine will run (once the engine warms up).
With today's "gasoline" here in FL, you will want the cooler opening temp. to help with controlling percolation (amongst other reasons)
And cue the "hate" posts..........
Plasticman
08-19-2014, 11:28 AM
#3
160 here (since 2005 in FL, and since 1999 in IL). No sludge ever........
Thermostat temp. is the minimum the engine will run (once the engine warms up).
With today's "gasoline" here in FL, you will want the cooler opening temp. to help with controlling percolation (amongst other reasons)
And cue the "hate" posts..........
Plasticman
Thermostat temp. is the minimum the engine will run (once the engine warms up).
With today's "gasoline" here in FL, you will want the cooler opening temp. to help with controlling percolation (amongst other reasons)
And cue the "hate" posts..........
Plasticman
08-19-2014, 11:35 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
Also a Floridian here..
Its possible that your car will not run at 160 at all, depending on the efficiency of the cooling system, engine, etc. I prefer a 170 degree, then it runs around 180 anyway.
Some of my carbureted cars don't run well at 160.. Your results will vary.
Describe how its running now, and at what temp????
Yes there is (was) a 170 offered...hope somebody else can supply info on it!!!
Its possible that your car will not run at 160 at all, depending on the efficiency of the cooling system, engine, etc. I prefer a 170 degree, then it runs around 180 anyway.
Some of my carbureted cars don't run well at 160.. Your results will vary.
Describe how its running now, and at what temp????
Yes there is (was) a 170 offered...hope somebody else can supply info on it!!!
08-19-2014, 11:58 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
My car currently has a 180 and runs well. When I was in-line waiting for a show registration earlier this year my car started getting too hot so I "jumped" the line. I understand that the car will just start at a lower baseline temperature and if the cooling is insufficient the temperature will slowly increase. But my thought is if I start at a lower operating temperature I would have more time.
08-19-2014, 12:15 PM
#6
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My car currently has a 180 and runs well. When I was in-line waiting for a show registration earlier this year my car started getting too hot so I "jumped" the line. I understand that the car will just start at a lower baseline temperature and if the cooling is insufficient the temperature will slowly increase. But my thought is if I start at a lower operating temperature I would have more time.
Is the fan clutch working correctly? Is the shroud correct?
08-19-2014, 02:05 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
The clutch seems to work fine and the shrouds are complete and tight. Also new hoses and coolant about 6 months ago. During regular driving stays right at 180 which is confirmed by my thermal gun. I have a new Dewitts radiator ordered.