'70 L46 Thermostat
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
'70 L46 Thermostat
What temp. thermostat are you all running in a '70 L46? Are there any noticable differances between a 160 - 190 degree thermostat?
Last edited by Cosmo Kramer; Jul 20, 2007 at 11:23 AM. Reason: Spelling
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
BarryK.........Please excuse me if I'm wrong, but in 1970 GM did not put an AIR system on the L46 (350/350.) Right?
As part of my new heater core project, I'm going to replace the thermostat. Because of your (and Young69Owner) suggestion, I’ll put in a 180 degree stat. Thanks.
As part of my new heater core project, I'm going to replace the thermostat. Because of your (and Young69Owner) suggestion, I’ll put in a 180 degree stat. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
I'm not 100% sure about the AIR in your '70 but they started putting AIR on in '67 on some cars so I assumed by '70 it was on them all. I very well may be wrong.
Regardless, it sounds like you don't have it on your car so I'd run the 180º t-stat
Regardless, it sounds like you don't have it on your car so I'd run the 180º t-stat
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 829
Likes: 2
From: Scottdale Pa
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
80crabvette.......It's my understanding (from my C5 & C6 friends) that a cooler engine makes more HP. The negative of a low temp t-stat is higher emissions, greater likelihood of sludge development, and plug fouling.
Way back in my college years, my girl friend had a Ford that continued to run for thirty seconds after the car was turned off. Well, remembering back to my auto mechanics classes in high school, I replaced the t-stat with a 170 degree one and all the dieseling problems were gone.
Way back in my college years, my girl friend had a Ford that continued to run for thirty seconds after the car was turned off. Well, remembering back to my auto mechanics classes in high school, I replaced the t-stat with a 170 degree one and all the dieseling problems were gone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
assuming the cooling system was effective enough to keep max operating temps at t-stat temp (not likely in most cases) than a 160º operating temp is too low and will not allow the motor to have a high enough operating temp to burn off excess vapors causing condensation and sludge in the oil and motor.
A 180º is a better choice.
A 180º is a better choice.
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