Thermostat
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
I'm not sure which is the "correct" one. Tons of us use the 180* but it seems to be a personal preference depending upon our given cooling issues. Describe the type of problems you're seeing. Maybe not T-stat related. A way to check the one you've got to make sure it's working properly is to take it out and put it in a pot of water. Using a candy thermometer see the temp that the t-stat begins to open and watch till its fully open. Full open should be about 180*.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Whatever you decide, get the Robert Shaw aka Mr. Gasket thermostat that is high flow and has a built in safety feature to fail in the open mode. It does make a difference to have a high flow model.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Australia Victoria
I have a 76 and it always had a 180 in it.
Recently I changed it to a high flow 160 and the cooling is heaps better.
The information on reccomended thermos all pointed to the 160. I paid an extra $10 to get a hi flow 160 and do not regret the decision.
Recently I changed it to a high flow 160 and the cooling is heaps better.
The information on reccomended thermos all pointed to the 160. I paid an extra $10 to get a hi flow 160 and do not regret the decision.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
The optimum temerature range for most engines is between 180-220F...my 78 L-82 SB calls for 195 F...
Think your stock thermostat should be 195 F...but 180 is ok...any lower,and fuel economy/engine wear is compromised...
Rich
Think your stock thermostat should be 195 F...but 180 is ok...any lower,and fuel economy/engine wear is compromised...
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Feb 14, 2007 at 12:22 AM.
