Benefits of a thermostat?
 

Is there a benefit of using a thermostat if my model a doesnt have a heater?

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

Your opening a can of worms.

I have never used a thermostat in any Model A. We lived in Homer, New York for years. Put car away in early November. Out again in late April.

Enjoy.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

The thermostat isn't about the heater, it's about getting the engine up to operating temperature more quickly so it runs cleaner. Even folks who don't use a thermostat, in most cases they've done something to adjust the cooling system, such as putting cardboard in front of the radiator, having the radiator cleaned, replacing it with a new one, etc. But there are also plenty of folks who just ignore it and their car runs OK.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

The simple answer is yes.

Benefits of a thermostat?
 

There are a couple of popular choices. I run this one, and it works great. Plus, it has a nice connection I can use to connect my temperature gauge.

http://www.vintageprecision.com/

I formerly used one like this, which goes into the top radiator hose. This model tends to migrate inside the hose toward the radiator over time.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword


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Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

Not a big deal during the summer. In cold weather when an engine never warms to normal operating temperature it tends to run rich which results in higher fuel consumption. A more significant issue is accelerated internal wear and decreased engine longevity. Temp should be at least 160 degrees or so.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

I have to remove the radiator hose anyway to remove the water outlet to install the temp gauge probe. While its torn apart i will also be replacing a poorly designed aftermarket front motor mount with the original style. While its all apart i think i might as well throw in the style that mounts inside the radiator hose. I suppose its easy enough to remove it if need be.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

If you put a 3rd radiator hose clamp on the upper hose, right where the thermostat is installed, you can prevent it from moving up the hose over time.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

See other threads, many opinions. The Model A has no bypass system like later and modern cars do to circulate the coolant until the stat opens. Hot spots can potentially occur with stagnant flow until the stat opens.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

I drilled two 1/8 holes in my stat so there could be some flow immediately.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

Henry hired the best engineers of his time, and I run all my A’s completely stock, so I’ve never seen a need. I trust the engineers, and my cars are still reliable and run well after 92 years. I don’t think I can improve them.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

This is what my engine rebuilder said, so I removed the thermostat, and just use the cardboard in front of the radiator for the winter months.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

All thermostats should have a small hole to provide some circulation before it opens. The Model T was a thermosyphon system so the water didn't start circulating before the engine got warm. The Model A is a hybrid system, a thermosyphon with a water pump. The original system worked well without a thermostat but I think the thermostat improves things for all the reasons stated above.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

I will be adding the temp gauge so i think i will wait and see what temp my A runs at as is. It is easy enough to remove that hose if i find that i want it. And after all $12 saved today is a extra $12 to spend tomorrow.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

It just came to mind that the factory recommended oil change was 500 miles, so sludge build up of the period (non deterg) oils would possibly be lessened if the A's ran cold when produced.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

May I ask...so what if it moves up in the hose? Mine has the big skirt, not the three fingers.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

Im thinking it should be as close as possible to the head so the thermostat reads a more accurate temperature rather than the heat having to travel up the hose for it to open. Which is another good reason to have some water flow even with the t-stat closed to help get the hot water to the t-stat. Just my thoughts though.

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

vintage precision

Re: Benefits of a thermostat?
 

That's what the extra holes do. They allow water from the engine to circulate past the T'stat so it gets warm water quickly. I have 3 x 1/8" holes in mine and have run that way for years. If there are no holes, it takes too long for the T'stat to get warm enough to open and when it does, there is a surge of water that can overwhelm to radiator.