Question about thermostats
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Question about thermostats
It's a little cooler out now and my motor never gets above 160 deg. I have a 160 deg thermostat so I figured I try a 180 deg to let it get a little warmer. Well driving it around today it got a little warmer but never got above 170 deg so the thermostat never really opened.
My question is: Is this bad for the motor when the thermostat does not open ?
It does mean that coolant is not circulating in the motor and rad dosen't it ?
So would it not be better to put the 160 deg thermostat back in at least it opens at 160 deg letting the coolant circulate in the system.
My question is: Is this bad for the motor when the thermostat does not open ?
It does mean that coolant is not circulating in the motor and rad dosen't it ?
So would it not be better to put the 160 deg thermostat back in at least it opens at 160 deg letting the coolant circulate in the system.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
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From: New Zealand
Re: Question about thermostats (MotorHead)
There was a good thread here and a recent article in one of the Vette magazines that explained the theory better than I can, but I can't find either of them :banghead:
try this though: http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox...tat-theory.htm
Hope it helps :cheers:
try this though: http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox...tat-theory.htm
Hope it helps :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: Question about thermostats (MotorHead)
Are you sure your temp guage is accurate? Some can be off by as much as 50 degrees if the wrong sensor is used.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Berlin
Re: Question about thermostats (MotorHead)
Your thermostat can't stay closed all the time. If it did, your engine would overheat very quickly (no flow to the radiator). Either your temp gauge is off, or the thermostat is miscalibrated.
Also, 160º is somewhat low. Most engines would run better and last longer with a little extra temp.
[Modified by aharte, 9:54 AM 11/23/2003]
Also, 160º is somewhat low. Most engines would run better and last longer with a little extra temp.
[Modified by aharte, 9:54 AM 11/23/2003]
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Re: Question about thermostats (aharte)
Thermostats are new quality units for Stewart water pump and temp gauge is new "mechnical" Autometer I'd be suprised if either weren't working. This is insteresting, think there is more to it than I originally thought.
Le Mans Master
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: Question about thermostats (standup)
Standup! Thanks for the link! I've been looking for a part number for some time for a 170 degree thermostat and haven't been able to find one. With my electric fans a 160 is too cold and with a 180 the fans stay on most of the time. My hope is that it will be perfect and the fans will cut on and off like they should. My fan temp switch is supposed to come on at 195 and off at 185. With my 180 thermostat it very rarely gets below 185 in the Texas heat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: Question about thermostats (MotorHead)
Well if you’re cooling gear up front is in good shape and your driving in cool air – why should it not just stay cracked open at 170? Heck the T-stat you have may not be perfect and the temp gauge could have some error too. Sensor location?
I greatly doubt the water in your block is staying less than 170* and the T-stat stays totally shut.
It would be bad if the T-stat stays shut and you over heat – easy way to crack heads (I have verified this). But if your fan belt is making your water pump go roundy roundy, then water is circulating in the block – mostly through your heater core and I suspect the pump has some internal bypass to protect itself.
If you’re really worried about temperature you could have T-stat and gauge calibrated of better yet get a thermocouple and meter to calibrate things yourself. :thumbs:
I greatly doubt the water in your block is staying less than 170* and the T-stat stays totally shut.
It would be bad if the T-stat stays shut and you over heat – easy way to crack heads (I have verified this). But if your fan belt is making your water pump go roundy roundy, then water is circulating in the block – mostly through your heater core and I suspect the pump has some internal bypass to protect itself.
If you’re really worried about temperature you could have T-stat and gauge calibrated of better yet get a thermocouple and meter to calibrate things yourself. :thumbs:
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Team Owner
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From: eville in
Re: Question about thermostats (cardo0)
i have used the t-stat with the temp just above where i want it and drill a bleed hole i start with 1 hole 1/8" a nother plus is i've never blown a hose
if t-stat stuck because there is a small bleed, just a thought....
if t-stat stuck because there is a small bleed, just a thought....
Team Owner
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Re: Question about thermostats (comp)
I tried a 180 and the temp stayed around 155-160. Changed to 195 and temp stays at 180. :)
Race Director
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Question about thermostats (MotorHead)
Wayne
Just drive around with a peice of cardboard taped to the front of your vette like truckers do to block airflow. :p: I like using a 180 degree stat since it keeps the eng a little warmer and helps burn off any water and other contaminants in the oil.
Just drive around with a peice of cardboard taped to the front of your vette like truckers do to block airflow. :p: I like using a 180 degree stat since it keeps the eng a little warmer and helps burn off any water and other contaminants in the oil.
Le Mans Master
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Question about thermostats (aharte)
Your thermostat can't stay closed all the time. If it did, your engine would overheat very quickly (no flow to the radiator). Either your temp gauge is off, or the thermostat is miscalibrated.
Also, 160º is somewhat low. Most engines would run better and last longer with a little extra temp.
[Modified by aharte, 9:54 AM 11/23/2003]
Also, 160º is somewhat low. Most engines would run better and last longer with a little extra temp.
[Modified by aharte, 9:54 AM 11/23/2003]
No way is the t-stat staying closed. Something is wrong if the gauge reading never makes the t-stat rating.