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Discussion Topic:
Thermostat question 8BA flat head V8
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Big Red 51 |
11-24-2014 @ 4:56 PM
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New Member
Posts: 192
Joined: Oct 2009
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It ran at normal and when I was in Concord couple years ago stuck in traffic at over 100 degrees, the needle never moved over one needle width. It was a cool running engine. Each gauge is different. Really need to put a mechanical gauge on it for correct temp. Don
This message was edited by Big Red 51 on 11-24-14 @ 4:59 PM
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jyakel |
11-25-2014 @ 6:17 AM
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Posts: 79
Joined: Oct 2014
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Don, Okay, thanks. All good info here. I didn't get to test my truck yesterday as planned as it gets dark at 4:30 - 5:00ish but I plan to test it again soon. I understand every truck/engine/gauge may act a little differently. One has to learn the characteristics of one's vehicle. Thanks Don, John
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TomO |
11-25-2014 @ 7:19 AM
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Senior
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I like the idea of drilling an 1/8" hole in the thermostat and have it in my Lincoln. It gives a little flow when the thermostats stick shut and allows you to pull safely to the side of the road to allow the engine to cool down. The hole also relieves the air pocket problem.
Tom
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jyakel |
11-25-2014 @ 11:32 AM
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Posts: 79
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Tom O, Thank you. I like the 1/8" hole in the thermostat idea too. Your good advice is well taken. All the best to you, John
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satelite |
02-14-2015 @ 7:36 AM
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Joined: May 2011
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I have a 53 pickup with a merc engine, EAB heads, electronic ignition and Reds headers. I have found that if I overfill the radiator, it just pushes the water out. So I fill to the bottom of the upper radiator tank. I also use a mix of polyproplene glycol and water instead of ethelyene glycol. Don in SC
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TomO |
02-17-2015 @ 8:39 AM
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Senior
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Have you checked your radiator cap? Your cap should be a 4Lb pressure cap and allow you to fill the radiator to just below the filler opening.
Tom
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Ross F-1 |
02-28-2015 @ 4:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
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My '52 F-1's upper tank has a sheet metal "tang" about 1.5 inch below the filler opening, that is the "full" mark when cold. If you fill all the way it will blow at least 1/2 qt out. The cooling system holds 22 qts, and expands almost 5% to hot, which is about a quart. There's no need to drill holes in most thermostats. If you hold them up to the light and look at the disc, you'll see it has a wavy edge to provide the same function.
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jyakel |
03-13-2015 @ 12:41 PM
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Posts: 79
Joined: Oct 2014
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Ross F-1, TomO, Satelite, Thanks for your input. I wondered what the function of the 1 1/2" tang was in the radiator tank. If the bottom of the tang is the 'cold' full mark then I am in good shape because that's where my coolant level settles to. Just to make sure I didn't have any more overflow issues I installed a make shift overflow tank (gallon milk jug) and it has never had any coolant in it. So I think I'm in good shape. Only thing is when my engine is up to running temperature the temp gauge settles in at 1/2 way between normal and hot. In other words the gauge is reading 3/4 of the way to hot, but it never moves higher. ?? Like others have said in earlier posts, maybe every gauge and engine is a little different.
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TomO |
03-16-2015 @ 9:16 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7243
Joined: Oct 2009
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Your gauge reading is normal with 180 degree thermostats
Tom
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jyakel |
05-27-2015 @ 4:27 AM
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Posts: 79
Joined: Oct 2014
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Tom, I'll take your good advice. Thank you for sharing your expertise. John
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