SupremeDeluxe

Is there any source for a quality thermostat that actually opens at the rated temp? The new Mr. Gasket (Robetshaw-style) balanced flow thermostats are all made in China now, and after testing a few this weekend I reached the conclusion that all of them open around 195-200F regardless of rating. (I never had a problem with the older production version made in Mexico).

I also tested a Motorad 180 unit (manufactured in Israel, not China), and that was even worse as it didn't start opening until 195 and wouldn't fully open until way over 200F.

Like everything else, buying a quality thermostat has now become complicated.

Frankie the Fink

Sucks that we have to worry about ANOTHER foreign crapola part.

I use STANT T-stats - never tested one for accuracy though...

Powershift

I went thru the same thing awhile back. Went to Ebay and bought DELCO-HARRISON new old stock (made in Indiana USA). Not expensive at all. You should be able to find one quickly if you look. The ones for our Chevys are common.

Larry

Todd H.

I suggested a defective thermostat in a recent thread ("57 overheats), and it seemed that everyone preferred a more complicated solution.

I've seen a lot of defective foreign thermostats, including the Mexican ones. I'll have to look for some of these NOS ones.

Powershift

Supreme:

I did a quick check and found a few DELCO 180F on Ebay for our cars. Recommend searching under both DELCO and GM Part numbers.

Let me know if you cannot locate.............and confirm the engine for me. I can probably find one pretty quick for you. Costs were about $15-20.

Larry

SupremeDeluxe

Larry,
Thank you for checking. My parts book shows GM P/N 3156280 (application 1967 L-71 non A.I.R.), of which there are a few examples on Ebay, but they are in the $30-40 range. Do you know the AC Delco P/N offhand?

Nick

Ron Miller

I recently installed an ACDelco, GM# 19114427 195 degree thermostat that I purchased from RockAuto. It works perfectly, no more temperature swings up and down before settling out at the proper temperature.

Manufactured in Israel according to the box, but a lot of good items and technology comes from Israel these days.

My experience, I'd recommend!

1955 copper

If you take the time using Ebay you can still locate original ones in the original box ,like this original 53 and up C1 design that works great.

Powershift

Nick:

My GM parts book show DELCO #131-2 and GM 3041388. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACDelco-Delc...NTyo2Z&vxp=mtr

These are listed in parts book at 170F, but are actually 180F marked on the thermostat. I also saw the 3156280 in my EARLY parts book (1972), but in my LATER parts book (1982) it is shown as 3041388. Same cars and applications.

You can search both numbers if you want.

Larry

EDIT: From what I can see, the 6280 is original total brass construction (DELCO 180-P) whereas the 1388 is a mix of stainless and brass (DELCO 131-2). FWIW. I do remember the originals beings all brass, but not certain you need that or that NCRS judges this part.

PattiR

Todd, I apologize for not getting back to you. I did go out and buy a new NAPA thermostat at your suggestion. However, much as I wish the solution was that simple, other factors were involved.
Wrong fan, wrong shroud.
I have the correct 4 blade flipped tip fan now, and that is how I found out that it would not fit in the Frankenstein fan shroud(correct one is now on order). I will put the USA made thermostat from NAPA in after testing outside the car.
I'll update you and please hope along with me that this is as complicated as it gets.

Best wishes,

Dennis

babbah

The Thermostats from Stant work perfectly.

Todd H.

No problem, Dennis. I hope that solves the problem. Sometimes simple seeming problems have complicated solutions, but I like to try the simple answers first.

plaidside

I use and sell the Stant Superstat. It is of a much better quality and a heavier construction then the standard Stant stat.
The 13356 is on the left and the 45356 is on the right. If you want a 180 the number is 45358.
Joe

SupremeDeluxe

Joe,

Are the Superstat's still made in USA? I had looked for one these, but local parts stores do not have. (Good parts stores few and far between here). When I looked to order it from Amazon, their product data says 45358 is made in China....

Nick

plaidside

I just checked my store inventory and the couple of Superstats I have are made here.
This doesn't mean that they changed where they are made since I put these in my store.
Joe

babbah

That's the one!

StingU2

I've had my current thermostat for years with no issues... a FlowKooler Robert Shaw high performance thermostat #330-180*.

-Bruce